RARE  hcoKS 
Division 

Soz 

Sect;- 


Irve.  li-Fe-  or  +Ke.  ve.ry 
rve.ve.re.nd  o\nd  lecArne.a 


.^: 


IBv   bc\mtAe.l   McA+Wer 


the    PREFACE.  ^ 

So  much  'Er\i<Xix\oxi,  fuch  high  Degrees  0/ Piety; 
%nd.,  fuch  an  Adive  Life  in  doing  Good,  united  in 
the  fame  ^erfon^  are  very,  rarely  feen  among  the 
Sons  of  Men,  Sy  a  tranfient  Acqmintance  <ivitb 
Him,  one  wou^d  think,  that  being  fan^ified  from 
the  'Birth,  lie  had,  made  the  utmofi  Imj^rovetnerii: 
of  his  ^ime  in  the  Pursuit  ok  Knowledge: 
Sut  upon  a  further  Vieiv  of  the  Social  ^Part  of 
his  Life,  the^  continual  Refort  of  Vifitants,  -with 
Ms  gentle  and  eafy  Entertaitiment  of 'em  at 'all 
Hours y  and  ho*iv  he  ivou*d  fcarce  let  the^Meanefi 
or  Toungeft  pafs  fiim  avithcut  Inftru Ellon  ;  It  fem\i 
fs  ij  almojt  all  his  litne  "ii'ere  fwallo-zved  up  ivith 
C  o  N  V  E  R  s  A  T  I  o  i^i  :  ^nd  yet,  being  let '  into 
a  more  intimate  2)ifcovery  of  his  numherkfs  a^J, 
perpetual  Contrivances  and  Labours  to  do  Geo  J 
in  the  World  ;  one  ivou'd  then  he  ready  to  con- 
chide  that  ho  cou'd  have  no  T'ime  left  for  Either^ 
hut  mufi  have  f pent  it,  all  in  Ac  r  i  o  lu  . 

Having    made  Himfelj  an   Early  Mcifl'er  of 
the  Learned  Languages,   One   of  the  fpecial  Mf.- 
T  H  o  ©  s  hv  -'vchich   he  fo  ivell  improved  his  Titae 
and  acquired  fuch  a  vajt  E>:tent   cf  Science  {eer/v'd 
to  be  ;  that  tho'  for  his.  ^rogrefs,  in   'Divine  Li- 
terature 3    tie   kept    to   the    confiani   /Study    cf  th?, 
SiL-cr.T'>>  Oracles  in  their  i nf fired  Original r,  yet- 
for  Other  Writings  he  cared  not  to  trcuble   -hhrfvlf 
ivith  any  but  thofe  that  ivere  likely   to  bring  hini' 
jomething    New,   and  fo  ivcreafe   lis    Knpivkdg^-, 
In  two  or  three  Minuses  ^^t^jj^thro'^  a  Volumn'^ 
he  c(f^\  eafily  tell  ^jt/tJMfKtf^^'^^  make:  Jj^ 
ditiofll/mp  the  Store  T^f^lJcas,     IfJtcou\drncr, 
lie  qmckly  laid  it^.  by  :  .w^cthertvijey' he  re^d  ii^ 
pafjing  over   all  thofe   'V'a^i    ^ixhich  contained   tba 


things  he  bad  knaUfcn  kjT^'^^c,   wtm^"^  thoJe^'Parts 
only  that  reprefenteif^^^^etlmg  Novel;,'"  •:.  ,/^   he 
^er.ciVd  as   he  '7t'^i|Ujyll'^||t^   at    the  ^hd  re- 
duc'd  the  SubilajKe^l^ijis  Coi|tnon    VMlJ,   (o  be     ^ 
revie^v'd  at ,  Leifure ;  and   all  this  \dth  ivonderfiik,hr 
Celerity,       So  port  aCokrfe  he   tod^^M    univerf  rtii'fr. 
Science'—  that   as  .  he   increafed  in    '[^U^l  ^^-^  /■Irax- 
Tlmt  he  ha.f  occafwn  to  ey:pcnd  inru    '^  ^f-'^'^aclr.-,  f 

\ 


4  The    PREFACE. 

Jti4tJ:or.\  till-  c.t  length  there  ivere  hit  feiv  Sooks 
fublijjjed  the.:  -ii-culd  take  him  miich  to  ready  awi 
'i7id)iy  that  irere  celebrated  for  their  various  Learn- 
ing  h^  Jctind  had  little  in  them  tut  ^jchat  he  had 
htcn  acquainted  ^xith  before. 

Nor  iverc  his  Common-Places  the  only  ^rea* 
furies  of  his  rich  Ideas  :  ^hey  ^wert  but  mere 
Securities  that  He  wight  not  lofe  them  :  ^nd 
He  us'^  to  have  them  at  command  on  the  moji 
fudden  Incidents  y  and  in  com  men  Converfation^  ^johicb 
had  therefore  akvays  fomethln^  neiv,  and  ^xas 
e'ver  entertaining  and  inj}ru6live.  Sy  this  paeans 
it  11' as  that  He  hsd  the  mofi  agreabk  and  effeEiual 
'•xay  of  Reproving  a  Friend  for  ma  hat  afpeAfd 
amifsy  or  of  Exciting  to  a  negleSied  Tiuty^  that  I 
ever  met  ivith.  Injlead  of  doing  this  direBly, 
ivhich  might  have  been  too  Offenfive^  He  ivou'd 
rather  bring  feme  Hijlcry  or  Obfervation  in  the 
Form  cf  a  fleafant  NznztivCy  ivhich  He  had  ready 
at  hand  for  all  Occafions  ;  and  being  eiitreamly 
fintable,  ivou'd  leave  his  Friend  to  the  mofl  fungent 
yijjplication. 

And  hisglo'ving  C  w  a  r  i  t  y  and  Piety 
fprc/id  a  further  Lujlre  en  his  ether  JSxcelle^cies. 
Ills  burning  Zeal  for  G  o  Dj  and  fervent  'Benevolence 
and  Love  for  Men,  -were  continually  u^orking  i» 
Him,  ivi ploying  all  his  talents,  Tho'ts  and  Cares ^ 
hy  Night  *ind  jD^y,  and  breaking  f^rth  into  num- 
berlefs  (Projetlions,  a^lintenfe  IndeavcurSy  'vchich 
*:i'a(led  .and  conft^ffk^^Mfe^^  He  ivas  an  mter 
Enemy  to  reli'sioti^^^^ffl/0id  ImpofitiofUm  He 
T^as  <^  ver^  CatholicJ^^uT  CcrnpreheHflvm/ffrin- 
iip}es  \  Ite  neve)'  vcdi^ffany  particular  Forms  of 
■JVorJhipy  unlefs  tl^^^'^ere  of  :Divinc  jJppointment  : 
"But  it  .ivas  the  ^^'^h  ^^'^j^^^^'^'^  ^^-^  Fracftice 
cf  the  great  T-uties  ^tm^gtW^'  ^^^^  Cheistian 
Inftfiiit ion  that  his  4IK^T 'i^mtt  on    :     And  this 


by  Wfivificing  and  moving 


fl^ivas  J  or  ^Pyopagatnig,  l^ 

■U'gumentSy    --iv^fi^'m  Ter/kvajions,    bri,^ht   Fsample.  ^ 

*  by  -eikv  v  ''Mnning  May    that  ecu' J   be  thct  cfy 

-'bk  tl'ir/h'uly  primirive  anil  neb k  Simplicity y 

The 

/ 


The    P  R  E  F  A  C  E.  f 

*r  H  E  following  Draughts  mil  give  thi  *Publkk 
^n  HUrtdining  Sfesimen  of  his  ijconderful  Improve- 
ment  of  limey  and  the  various  and  furpri-^in^  Afe- 
thods  He  invented  and   furfued  for  the  Advance-^ 
fnent  of  this  vital  Tiety,  Ifoth  in  Hlmfelf^d  Others, 
ft  ho'  deliberate  in  Speech  y  yet  expeditiotfs  in  Indi- 
ting ;  and  having  the  Ten  of  a  ready  Writer ^  that 
knew  not  how    to  fault er  in  its  fwift   career  ;     He 
continually  freferved  Records  of  the  fevcral  Rules 
And  Schemes  He  formed  for  his  own  Dirccllon,  and 
of  his  diurnal  'Pr^fecutions  of  them.     He.  has  by  this 
r»esHS  left  a  great  Abundance  of  excellent  Materials 
for  his  more  frivate   Hiftory  :     And  the  Ar.comns 
that  follow  being  extracted  chiefly  from  them,  are 
tilfo  agreable   to  that  "Part  of  his  Life  which  fill 
under  the  Obfervation  ofthofc  who  were  acq-it stinted 
'With  Him  ;  and  fo  nearly  anfwered  to  theje  latenc 
Rules  nowfublipedy  that  we  cou'd  nst  but  conclude 
He  had  them  always  in  his  Eye,  tho'  we  had  nevsr 
feen  them. 

His  Soffy  the  Compiler  having  thefi  gf^at  AI- 
vantages,  can  have  therefore  no  Occafion  Ho  invent 
a»y  Additions  to  his  2)ear  Father's  Hiffory.  He 
has  rather  aimed  at  Brevity,  and  to  write  as  little 
upon  every  Head  as  po^ible.  And  indeed,  if  He 
had  Tuhlifhed  all  that  his  Written  Mmorials  would 
have  enabled  him,  or  that  himfelf  and  others  havj 
keen  Witnejfes  of.  He  had  not  only  fwelVd  the  Volam.i 


<Pe^i  CIS  wmld  have  exceeded  r/'^  ''<>o ,'<>/>  nt  thof. 
'wJJm^ere  Strangers  to  Him.     'The  --^N-jrAT- 

tion  woi^d,  have  rather  looked  1:k-   :  '  '•'•,/ 

Life   f)/  C  Y  R  n  s.,    and  be^drCputsJ  ,••,/.  •' 

^whether  it  were    defir^n'd  and   J}-a:^s  Jor  a  viist 
Romance,    or  a  real    Hiffory. 

The  native  Fondnefs  of  a  filial  Miai  f&r  ^ 
Father's  Honour,  may  give  Occafion  for  r/je  Reader 
to  fufpe^,  infuch  a  cafe  as  this,  ^///  E>:ref  of'Praifr. 
'But  if  fome  other  Pens  had  b:en  impl^'d'in  drax^ 
rng  the    Vefcripilon    of  this  exalted  €kara6icr'     l 


f  The    P  R  E  F  A  C  E,:  .' 

}im  .very  certain  they  'wouli  hav.§  given  tbemfelpe^ 
<^  greater  Liberty »  as  not  being  quite  fo  cautioui 
cf  exceeding  as  a  natural  Relative.  J^d  for  ether 
things 3  the  ingenuous  Reader  ivill  rather  indulge  the 
blooming  Offspring  of  fo  Great  a  Parent  j  Effecially^ 
nxhen  the  Firft  Fruits  ho  c^nfecrates  tj>  the  fPublick 
ufe,  are  fo  rich  and  falutary  as  thife  before  us,  c- 

B  u  T  now^  Methinks^  I  have  need  offome  good 
Apology  for  Tny  cwn  ^JPrefumption  to  Preface  the 
Life  cffiich  a  Man^  and  recommend  it  to  the  Worlds 
I  have  none  but  this)^  —  "That  the  noiv  Sleffed  Subject 
cf  it  having  been  pleaftd  to  admit  me  into  an 
haffy  Lnimacy  'witb  Him,  upon  my  Return  to  this 
my  Native  Country  ;  I  have  been  thereby  too  highly 
obliged  —  to  deny  the  T>efires  of  his  Orphan  Son, 
that  I  ifou'd  introduce  him  tbu^  into  the  ^ublick 
vie-w,  and  from  my  own  Experience  fay  fo  much 
as  may  in  fome  meafure  move  the  curious  ^ajfenger^ 
to  turn  afide  and  lock  into  this  refle^ing  Mr-^ 
rour^  and  with  pleafwg  WorJer  contemplate  the 
Great  Original. 

Kii  -D  to  fay  no  more,  —  I  cannot  think  to 
ivip  a  richer  Blessing  in  the  prefent  State 
cf  the  "Frophetick  Syftem  j  than  that  the  GOD 
c)f  the  Spirits  of  all  Flelh^  ^xould  in  my  own  dear 
Country,  and  every  Other ,  raife  up  Numbers  of 
fuch  Minifters  as  this,  and  proffer  this  Superiour 
Example  for  the  forming  and  animating  of  them  : 
Thaf  they  may  burn  and  pine  as  He,  and  prepare 
the  World  for  the  mofi  illuflrious  Appearance  of 
the  GK^KT  G  fi|p  our  Saviour  ]  E  S  U  S 
C  H  R  I  ^  T^  that  S  u  n  of  Righteoufneis,^-  the 
houndkfs  an4  flo'-xing  Source  of  all  the  infnitely 
^oiver  Excelience  and  fainter  Bright nefs  ive  ih  every 
Tlace  an4  -^<J^i    admire  in  Others. 


Jloilon,  Feb,   27. 


Thomas  Prince* 


L  '  J 

A  L  I  S  T  of  the 

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TJIS Excellency  WILLIAM  BURNET  Efq.  Captain 
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Mr.  Gerfhom  Kcyes,  o/Shrewsbei^,  Seven  "Bo  oks. 

Mr.  Jottatban  Kimball,  of  Wenham. 

Mr.  Eleazer  iCingsbery,  o/Needham^  I'^ivo  Books, 

Mv.  Samuel  Kingsbcry,  of  Walp^lc. 

Mr.  John  Kneeland  ju^, 

Mn  Samuel  K.neelan(J,  Printer,  • 

Mr.  Abraham  Knowlton,  of  Ipfwich. 

Mr.  Ebcnezer  Knight,  of  Marblehead 

L. 

Capt.  John  Larrabee,  I'uoo   "Books. 
JMr.  William  Larrabee. 
Mr.  Joleph  Lafenby,  \tjco   'Books. 
Mr.  Nataanaei  Leemm,  <>/'Vork,   Sevefj  !Books, 
Mr.  Knight  Lcvrcrett,  GoUfmitb. 
i'ht  R  V.   'W.  Diaiel  Lewes,  of  Pembroke. 
Jofeph  LevAres,  3£  A. 
ifniah  Le.vis,  o'  Mirlli field,  M.   A. 
Library  of  che  Nortb-Cburcijy   in    Bofton. 
Libr-ai-y  of  the  South-Church,    in  !Bofto)j. 
l\T.  3enjamtn   Little,  .#;Nc-vvbury. 
Mr.  Triilrain  Little,  orNewbury,    Sevf>n  Sooks. 
'The  R^i\  Mr.  B^ojamir.  Lord,  of-  Norwich. 
Mr.  Daniel  Lorinp;. 

T'/^e  R^v.    Mr.    IfracI  Loring,  of  Sudbury. 
Kif.  Jofcph  Lovett  o;  Chelmsford. 
,  .  Mi, 


S    U    5   S   C    R    I    B   E   B.   Si  |r 

Mr.  William  Lowdcr. 

Mr.  Michael  Lowell, 

]Vk.  Caleb  Lyman, 

BctiJAtnia  Lynde,  jur;,  of  Sakm,  3f.  ji. 

M. 

The  Rev.  Mr:  ^E^mxmd  Marchj  o/Almesbmy; 

Mr.  William  Marchant. 

Tiue  Rev,  ft^n  Jofiah  Marfhal,  0/ FaimoutL, 

Opt,  John  Malon^  0/   Nevv-Londoti. 

Mf.  Jofeph  Mafoa  d/  Waterfcown^  Siven  BoolbsJ 

Mr.  Ralph  Mayer. 

'2*^  Rrj.  hir.  Experience  May  hew,  <3/Oiiim«:L. 

Mr.  John  Mead,  of  Southborough, 

T^he  Rev.  Mr,  Henry  Meffettger,  <y/ WrenthaiflL 

Timothy  Minot,  ^t  Concord^  M  A. 

Mr.  Id  ward  Moberly.       ^^-^r^*-^ 

iMr.  Thomas   Moffatt.,  Merchant. 

Mr.  Samuel   Morris,  juii.  cf  Woodilocic 

Yhe  Rev.  m.  Jofeph 'Morfe^  ^/Stoughtoa. 

N.        . 

Ifracl  Nichols  jun.  M.  JL, 

Dr,  John  Nicoii^  tff  New-York^ 

O. 

Tlie  Rc^j  yii'.  John  Owen,  <?/ Grot  on. 

R 

T^I^e  R^X'.   Mr.  Ebcnezcr  Parkman^   of  Well:Lo£€iigh^ 

2l7<?  Re'v.  Mr.  Edward   Payfon,  i/  Rovvleyo 

Mr.  Natbanaei   Pcarie. 

CapL    Daniel  Pecker, 

Mr.  fames  Pecker.  ■ 

Mr.  "Edward  PcIl. 

^I^be  Rfv.  Mr.  Ebenezer  Pemberton,  of  New- York. 

^1r,  lofliua  Penhallow. 


f}  i  S   V.   B   S   C   R    I    B   E   PL    di 

Dr.  ]"ohn  Perkins,  M.A. 
Dr.  John  Perkins 

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Mr.  John  Phillips.  I  Fuurtee»  Books, 

Mrs:   Sarah  Phillips  of  Charleflown. 
Afr.  Jofeph  Pomery. 
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Nathan  Prince,  M,A.  Fellow  of  Harvard-College, 

[  Tzvo  Sook, 
fhe  Rev,  Mr.  Thomas  Prince,  ofBoiion^T-juo  Books; 
Mt.  Benjamin    Procter. 
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Q. 

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R. 

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Mr,  William  Rand,  Afotbecaryy  Seven  Books, 

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V.       ' 

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'I be  Ret>,  Mr.  Nehemrah  Walter,  of  Roxburv,  "hio 

^  Crooks. 

The  Rev.  Mr,   Robert  Ward,  €>/Wenham. 

Mr.  William  Warner^    'Tivo  Book.9. 

John   Warren,  M.  A. 

^he  Rev.   Mr.  Joha  Webb,  of  Boflon,  7-ixo  ^Gch% 

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tt/^e  Rev.  Mr.  John  White^  <j/Glocefl:er. 
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^ 


[I] 


THE 


IntroduBiott. 


T  Is  Agreed  by  alt,  that  ZrJes  of 
eminent  Men  are  very  profitable^  atnl 
that  the  Writmg  of  them  is  of  grc^al^ 
Ufe  to  the  World  ;  efpeci^liy  •  j|e  ttei^' 
Ey^amfks  have  bin  very  ll\iiiing^  aad 
chey  have  ferved  their  Generation 
according  to  the  divine  Will  ^^^  srid 
therefore  it  is  that  fo  many  J.ncie?tti  and  Moderm 
have  endeavoured  to  tranfmit  thro'  Age^rdovvhto  tl>a 
iateft  Pofterity  the  Lives  dc  Adions  of  their  vert^u?^ 
and  excellent  Friends, 

It  has  ever  lifcev/ife  Bin  atlow'd  proper  fc.r  Sons  fd 
communicate  to  the  World  Accoimts  of  their  good 
and  great  Parents  ;  to  tell  what  they  vvere^  what 
they  have  done  and  futfer'd;  how  they  tho't^,  and  on 
what  Accounts  others  are,have  bin^ormaybe  the  beftcl: 
for  the.m  :  Ilay^  it  has  bin  look'd  upon  as  coriveniertt 
for  So/;s  thus  to  tonour  their  'Parents:^  ivbo  have  bin 
hopnurr !  .ani  highly  favoured  of  H'^aveni.  for  were 
X otl5t;twifei  vvhy  stcthtfe  fa  rimy  'EMrt^U^Jt^-Uter 


%         tntRODucrtoif, 

*1irimes  as  well  as  in  former  Generations,  of  this  filtat 
^Fietv  ?  And  befides,  whatever  feme  may  think  of* 
their  ^Partiality  and  Trejudicey  it  mull  be  acknoW- 
leged  that  they  arc  t?wft  capable  of  Writing  concerning 
their  'Parents ;  for  they  have  their  private  Memorials , 
they  have  had  more  free  Intimations  of  their  Mind:, 
and  have  the  mod  tborow  Acquaintance  with  the 
fccret  ^/r/Vi^^  of  their  ^(f//c?;/5:  On  thefc  Accounts 
they  are  rather  more  capacitated  that!  others;  and 
therefore  I  hope  to  be  excus'd,  or  at  leaft  indulged  in 
this  Performance  by  the  ingenuous  and  confideratc 
Reader. 

Encouraged  arid  animated  by  the  many  SoffS  of 
Jnge nutty  who  have  gone  befoie  me,  and  particularly 
by  my  own  Father  and  Granufather^  who 
have  raifed  literal  Monuments  for  thtix^arefifsi  I  fhall 
now  write  the  Life  ofy  I  might  fay  v/ith  Sir  Henry 
WoTTON,  the  B-EST  of  Fathers :  I  fhall  write  it  with 
an  inviolable  Fidelity  and  Truth  ;  and  I  here  declare 
that  my  Defign  in  fto  Book,  is  chiefly  to  ^/t)r//3f 
Jesus  Christ  and  to  ferve  His  Church  :  jic  ne 
Patris  mei  Fam^e  farcqrem,  fi  ejus  Laus  cederet  in 
CHRIST  I  opprobrium  ^  Corruptionem  Evangelii 
^  Scandalum  Ecckfi(ff  ^. 

*  '^loli^xiExavm  Amyrald.  j<?i;«r/. Spanhem  /.z.p.ijf* 


Ihtf 


THE 

I     LIFE 

Of 

The  Reverend  &  Learned 

Dr.   Cotton  Mather. 


C  H  A  ^.      Is 

the  Suhje^  of  the  Hificry  •  his  Birth,  EJucafJoif^ 
Early  Reitgion^  Marriages  and  Children^  wiib 
his  Methods  of  Education,  and  Rules  of  private 
ConduQ^ 

Sect*  t.  ^he  SuhjeEl  of  tins  Hi-dory^  'voith  a?i 
Account  of  kis  2)efcent  and  Family. 


R.  COTTON  MA'tHJ^R-"^ 
He  was  born  Thuriday  Ff'l\  i2» 
1661^1.  at  'Bofion  in  Neiv-EngianJ. 


D 

W^     ^^     I  have  no  great  Difpofltion  to  en- 
-•■     .  quire  into  the  remote  AHtiqu'nics  olT 

liis  Family;  nor  indeed  is  it  matter  of  much  Gonifi-* 
Iquence  that  in  our  Coat  oj.irms,  we  htTiX Ermine ^  Or^ 
jiFefi^  W3':^yjAture,  three  Lions  rampant  ;  or^.  for  d 
Crcll;,  on  a  wreath  of  our  Colours  a  Livn  Sedant^  ot 
on  a  Trunk  of  a  Tree  ven  ;  — -  The  Religion  and 
learning  found  in  the  Family  .was  the  moil  agreeable 
Pleafure  to  my  Father :,  and  yields  the  molt  fatisfadory 
Keiledlion  to  mc. 

2,  Dr.  INCREASE  MAtHtR  -^-  ^^vhofe 

Relation^as  'Pajlor  to  the  North  Church  in   Bclfon, 

\^&  "F  re  fide /it    of  Uar'Vard  CQlk^e^  v^hofe   prititcd 

B  a  C(,-f^'p('fures 


4  ^he  Life  of 

Compofures  both  Latin  &  Englijhy  and  whofe  Ao^emy. 
in  the  Courts  of  three  Monarchs  for  his  afFlidled 
Country  have  rendred  him  univerfally  known  — •■. 
was  his   leather. 

9.  His  Mother  was  Maria,  the  Daughter  of  the 
Renowned  Mr.  John  Cotton;  who  was  a  Man  of 
very  exalted  ^iety  and  uncomn>on  Learning  :  Out 
of  Refpcdl   to  this  excellent  Man^  He  was  called 

CoTTONo 

Sect.  2.  His  Education,  his  Eagernefs  and Trogrefs 
in  Learning ;  and  early  Favcurs  confefd  on  him. 

i.TlTS  Education  was  at  tVie  free  School  in  !BoftoH 
"  under  the  Care,  .^V'^  of  Mr.  Benja.  Thomp- 
son, a  Man  of  great  Learning  and  \Vit^  who  was  well 
acquainted  mlh.  Rcmrm  and  Greek  Writers^  and  a  good 
Poet;  k.fl  undcir  the  fanio-u^  Mr.EzEKiEL  CHEEVERi 
who  was  a  very  learned,  pious  Man,  and  an  excellent 
Scho.^l-mal^er.  Under  thefe  two  Mailers  he  made  2 
laudable  l-'roficicncy. 

i.  By  t'-Wilve  years  of  Age,  he  had  compofed  many 
Latin  Exercifes,  had  convcrfed  with  Tully,  Te'^* 
R  E^iCE, Ov IP  and  Virgil,  had  gone  thro'  his  Grf^e^ 
^■^i' -'fuenr ,  and  entred  upon  Isocrates,^  Homer  and 
\ii^  ff'^hre^ir  Grunmar-,  and  at  that  Age  was  admitted 
int«  ^''/^'ir^'.  The  pivjus  Dr.  Hoar,  who  was  then 
Prrli.jcnt,  according  to  Cul^om,  gave  him  thASfrofhe- 
ticai'  He  J  for  his  initial  Declamation, 

Tc.:emicho  venicty  vivatmodo^fortior  JEtas, 

3.  After  his  entrance   into  ColleF^e,  he  made  as 

gnick  a  l>'fp'uch  as  b  fore,  Maftering  Hehreiv  per- 
:  riv  ,  dig.  iVmg  Alex  ant\  R  ch  ardson's  Tables, 
v.t.ich  he'tianfc.-ibcdv  con  poling  Syftems  of  Log:^ic 
and  'Pkyli'y  which  were  aftcrv/ards  ufed  by  others  ; 
ar-",  InV^^'ord^d^^^rr  Sing  the  Circle  ofall'the  Aca-. 
demicai  Studies,    ^iany  are  the  Books  which  he  them 

re^4; 


/ 


/ 


Dn    CpTTOH    MifHER.  .-5 

:read  with  ingenious  Remarks^  of  which  he  kept  an 
Account  in  his  uitvy. 

4.  When  he  took,  his  firH:  Degree^  which  was  at 
jhe  Age  qi  Smcen^  Mr.  Oakes  the  i-^riefidem^  in  nis 
-Oration  at  the  Comniencement.  vvhich  i  have  icad, 
:thus  cxpreiied  himiif  concerning  thisiiopeful  Yoiuhj 

—  Alter  vcro  Cot  ton  us  Math  erus  7iuncnpatur, 
-Quantum  Jsfowen  i  Erra'ui^  ja'tetr  ylu  clito  t^  /  di- 
.  ijjm  etenim^  quanta  Nomina  :    Isiti^  Ego  dt  Rever- 
endo  Patre^  AcaderaicC  Ciiratore  m^ilanU-'^irno^  rnu* 
nicipii  Academieijcciofrimario^  die  am  \  quo'niam  co* 
ram  ^  inOs  laud  arc  nolim  :  fedfi  ^ietatenijEruditi^ 
onenty  Ingcniim  ekgans^  yudicium  SoUdum,  ^Pruden^ 
tiam    ^  Gravit/itcm     Avorum    Reverendi'Jlmoruat 
'JoANNjs  CoTTONi  fi^   RicHARDx  Matkeri^  re- 
fir  at  etreprefhiteti  omne  tulijfe  'PimEium  d-d  ^  trrit . 
-nee  defp>ero  futunwiy  at  i?ihoc  jfuvene  Cot  ton  us' 
' atq ',  Matherus  tan^  re  quam  Islomine  coakfcant  es 
revivifcant.  — 

You  will  find  in  the  Courfp  of  this  Hiilory,  that 
this  great  Mans  Sentiments  were  juilj  and  his  Exped:a  = 
tions  anrvvered  :  So  that  I  may  now  infert  the  true 
Charadler  of  him^  when  he  made  fome  Figure  in  the 
World  ;  which  I  chufe  to  bring  in  here,  becaufe^it  has 
fome  Relation  to  Pracfident  Oak s's  Prophecy. " 

A  Frierid  thus  writes  of  him; 

**■  For  Grace  and  Art  ^nd  an  illuftrious  Fawe^ 
f^  Who  would  not  look  from  fuch  an  om'noua  Name  : 
^*"  Where  f-xo  great  Names  their  banAuary  take^ 
^'^  And  in  a  Third  combined  % -greater  n\2LkQ  ^ 

5.  When  he  was  half  a  Year  ihojt  of  Nineteen 3  he 
proceeded  Mafter  of  Arts,  and  received  hi-^  Degree  at 
the  Hand  of  his  Father  who  was  then  Prx;  dent.  The 
Thcfis  which  he" -then  maintained  was^  'Tun^la  Bc- 
Iraica  funt  Originis  Divin<fi'\  Hut  he  afterwards  law 
^aufe  to  c)ian^e  his  Mind,  and  held  the  contrary  Opi- 

^'-     "  B  5    ■  '  •  ^ips 


f  fj%e  life  of 

tiion  to  the  lafl.  Kctho't,  with  the  greatpRiPEAwx 
and  iome  others,  that  the  'Points  were  an  Invention 
of  the  Maforltes ;  and,  becaule  he  could  read  and  per- 
feAly  underftand  Hebrew  without  them ;  he  imagined 
there  was  no  need  of  theni^  unlefs  for  the  igr^urant, 
as  the  ycuos  without  Queftion  were,  after  the  'Baby- 
lonifh  Captivity,  when  the  Tomts  were  contrived  for 
their  Inltrudion. 

6.  He  might  well  make  a  confiderablc  Progrefsin 
Learning,  being  in  his  earlielt  Years  pretty  btalthy, 
having  withal  a  ,^reat  Capacity  for  Learning,  and 
being  blcded  with  that  firfl  ftep  to  Knowledge^  a 
modeft  Jnquijirim>tefs^ 

7.  And,  as  it  is  obferved  there  are  nxery  few  who 
prove  ^reat  Men  unlefs  they  begin  betimes^  he  was 
very  deiirous  of  following  Seneca^s  Advice,  that  is, 
to  haflen  and  karn  bethnes,  left  ivken  old,  he  [bould 
he  olHi^ed  to  it  f :  And  indeed  he  betimes  laid  up  a 
good  Stock  of  Knowledge;  like  the  hufy  Ant  t  Jo  at 
adds  to  its  heap^  7iot  igmrant  or  unaixare  of  the 
future  %  '  '  '- 


8.  And,  if  what  fome  great  Men  have  hinted  be 
truQ  Nemo  Fir  ma^msjine  Afflatu  *,  while  he  wasj 
yet  young  he  bid  fair,  to  be  great ,  for  he  i^elieved  he 
fh  luld  be  fo  ,  he  ''>'<pe£ied  it  ;  and  therefore  (muka, 
tuH  fecf-tq,  Sec.  )  he  l^orc  a>id  did  many  things  and 
difrogarded  all  the  Difficulties  that  would  encoippa& 
him. 

Sect.  3.    His  Early  Religion... 

l.1rT  is  an  excellent  Maxim,  That  the  heft  Gifis  ara 
A  vuin  unkf^  "Piety  advrn  thtrn  :  And  of  this  Mind 
^A^as  he,  of  wl^om  I  am  writing,  from  his  very  Chiid.^" 
hood."       '     '        '  ^ 

i  Pr-y^--  ^<f  propera  ve  tihj   accidaty  ut  Senecc  Hifcas* 
Sci.   U'}*  IT:     ^  Houi.  lih,  E£od,  carmen  Seculare. 
*  Cig*  dc  Nat »  D soy um A,  ^* 


Dr.  CoT's'OM  MatherI  7 

Amp^  altho'  his  Defirc  of  Learning  was  very  ^reat 
^nd  Arongi  an4  his  Attainments  were  truly  coniider- 
abkj  he  was  not  more  noted  lor  thefe  Gijts  than  for 
Jii$  early  ^kty  and  Religion. 

From  his  earlieil  Days  there  were  fevcral  good 
things  jound  in  hun.  When  he  began  to  ipeak  almofl^^ 
he  began  to  fray,  and  praitifed  this  Diity  conftantly 
while  he  was  a  School- i3oy;  and,  altho' he  ufed  no 
Forms  in  Secret^  he  compo{ed  fomc  for  his  School- 
Irellows  <?c  obliged  them  to  pray.Before  hecoul4wri:^ 
notes  of  Sermons  in  public  AlFemblies,  he  commonly 
wrote  what  he  remembred  when  he  came  home.  -— 
He  read  the  Scriptures  with  fo  much  Ardor  and  Afli-- 
duiVj^xJazx,  fifteen  Chapters  z  Day  divided  into  three 
Exercires,and  nothing  leis,  would  fuffice  him.  —  He 
would  moreover  reprove  his  Play-mates  for  their 
ivicked  Words  and  Pradicqs, '       ' 

z.  As  he  grew  Eldcr^  he  joined  him  felt  to  a  Society 
cf  Toung  Men  that  met  on  the  Sabbath  Evening  iox^ 
Religious  Ends  and  Purpofes  ,•  and  unto  thefc  Meet- 
ings he  afcriljed  \i\sfirfi  Rife  and  Improvement  in  th^ 
Art  of  *S>f^A;V;^,  of  Tr^jF^v^jj  &c. 

5.  By  Reafonoffome  Mifcarriages  intqwhiphhc 
was  furprizingly  bro't^  he  was  very  Young  put  upoa 
enquiring  into  his  Eftate  j  whether  he  were  not  an 
Jlypocvite^  if  notaCi3/?"^it'^3'?  He  tbund  very  frequent 
Returns  oi 'Doubts  and  Fears  ;  and  therefore  refolute- 
Iv  and  frequently  renewed  his  Clpfure  -ivith  Jesus 
Ch  R I  s T  ,as  his  only  Relief  againft  them.  During  this 
time,wh^n  he  was  b^nguill^ing  under  the  Scnle  of  iiisj 
V ilenefsj' and  thinking  witihimfelr//?^//  the  I-Qai) 
(icc^pt  of  one  tb^u  bits  done  ^;/i  bin  as  I  h.tv£  I  I  fiy 
during  this  time,  he  tho.'t  it  propc^/  ii\  op.^n  his  Boion^ 
to  his  father :  Upo^  fo.  doin^  his  Fa.'rier  told  him, 
U^ljcre  ivas  no  Sinner  reps^^ng  end  veturnpw  hiiP 
CH?.l^^r  "uoill  accept  of  hlv^i  :  For  (  (aid  he  )  ^fervc 
^lievenhmong  Ale^i  there-  h  A  "^ile  Sinrier  \  a  good;- 
M'fi  ^^Js^^s  St.Kd  aif^vrs  hin^, :  X^t  //this,  Man  "ev^r 
' "      "■  B  4  '  "^       ki'^-'^i 


I  Ithe  life  of 

hecontes  a  fjew  Creature:,  the  fame  good  ^erfon^  not- 
njoithftanding  hi^  jormtr'ViknefS:^  iviU  embrace'  hiwt 
and  take  him  to  his  !BoJom;  and  this  (continued  hej 
is  an  B'iddi.m  cJidE^eSlofthe  Spirit  oj  Jesus,  — -j 
XVonderful  was  the  .Qiiickning  thefe  Words  gave  him; 
They  influenced  his  Addrefles  to  Heaven^  in  which 
he  then  had  fvveet  and  ilrong  Intimations  of  the  2)i- 
kjine  lEdvour. 

4.  When  he  "^'Tls  fifteen^  he  was  much  affected  by 
reading  Dr.  Hallos  Treatife  of  Meditut.on,  with  his 
jPropoials  of  proceeding  Alethodir^Uy  in  this  great 
^iity  of  Cbrijriafiity.  Upon  this.  He  read  feveral 
cth?r  Books  upon  that  Subje^"!,  and  made  many 
pfTays  at  ^  Logical  and  regular  Method  for  daily  Me- 
ditation;, and  proceeded  fo  far  that  he  wrote  a  Difcourfc 
upon  that  Subje^fl^  which  at  this  tender  Age  found  a 
good  Confideration  among  feveral  ingenious  friends. 
The  Refuk  of  all  was^  that  he  finally  pitched  upon 
this  Method,  The  Meditation  conlifted'oftwoParts: 
In  the  /z>/?, He  proceeded  moiQ  do 5frrn ally ;  to  ifjjlruEt 
himfelf  either  with  anfwering  a  ^nejtion^  or  with 
explaining  2  Scripture^  or  with  confidering  the  CaufeSy 
the-EffeBsythe  AdjunEis,  the  oppofites  and  Ji-fm^ 
hlances  of  the  Thing  that  was  his  Theme.  —  In  the 
fecond  Part,  he  proceeded  more  praEfically  to  affect 
himfelf  in  three  Steps  •  firft^  an  Examination  of  him- 
felf, ;;fxY^  an  iS>c/)C)/f«/^r/o;;  with  himfelf  ,■  and  la(f,  a 
Refolutio/j  in  the  "Strength  of  Grace  offered  in  the 
new  Covenant.  This  happy  way  of  preaching  ivith 
md  unto  himfelf  VxQ  was  acquainted  with  betimes. 

5.  And  before  this^  everi  ^t  fourteen  Years  of  Agc^ 
he  began  to  keep  Z^ays  of  Faffing  and  "Prayer 
alone  in  his  Study  ;  and  in  thofe  Duties  he  made  at  firlt 
ScuDPER^s  Chriftian's  TJailyWalkhis  Diredory, — 
But  of  his  Fafts  ( together  with  his  T'hanks^iving  ) 
and  his  Devotions  h  Methods  in  them,  I  treat  largely 
in  Chap.  €,  whither  I  refer  my  Reader. 

€.  Havinq 


Dn  CoTYOH  Mather,  -^ 

^.  Having  palt  his  firll  Sixteen  Years^  he  was  tho'( 
©f  Age  eno'  to  join  to  ^particular  Church  :  He  did 
io  then  accordingly;,  and  renewed  his  !Bciptifmal  Vows 
and  Covenant.  By  approaching  to  the  Lord^s  Table ^ 
he  tho't  himfelf  obliged  to  be  very  particular  in  Self 
'Ey^amination.  I  will  here  tranfcrioe  one  [rt fiance  oi 
his  Self'E^aminatiorJs  which  he  wrote  when  Ihort  of 
Seventeen, 

'^'^  Setting  my  ielf  upon  the  Work  of  Self-J^xami- 
motion 3  I  find  ,* 

^^  I.  Concerning  my  Faith.         ' 

^^  lam  convinced  of  the  utter  Infufficiency  in  liiy 
^*"  own  Righteoufncfs  to  procure  my  Salvation.  I  fee 
^'^  my  own  Righteoufncfs  to  be  nothing  in  point  of 
^^  Acceptance  with  God.  I  fee  a  woful  Hypocrify 
^'^  has  acted  me^,  Sluggifijnejs  and  Selfipnefi  hath  at- 
-*^  tended  me^,  in  the  very  Beil  of  all  my  Services. 

"  I  perceive  now  no  other  way  for  my  Salvation^ 
^^  but  only  by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  j  i?^y2/^^  fails 
**^  elfewhere  on  every  Hand. 

^'^  I  behold  a  Fulnefs  ^  a  Scanty  in  JesusChrist; 
^^  He  is  worth  loving^  worth  prizing^  worth  JblloiV" 
ing. 

f^  Such  is  my  Defire  to  obtain  an  Intereft  in  Him^ 
^^  and  make  Hi  m  the  only  Portion  and  Support  of  my 
^^  Soul^  that  it  is  one  of  my  greateft  Griefs,  to  find 
^*"  my  Heart  fo  dull  in  going  forth  after  Him. 

^^  2.  Concerning  my  Repentance. 

^^  I  abhor  Sin^  becaufe  it  is  abhorred  by  God  and 
^^  contrary  to  Him. 

'*"  Sin  is  my  heavy  Surden  :  2)eath  it  relfwoulcl 
^^  be  welcome  to  me  to  free  me  from  fuch  a  Burden. 

'^  I  am  heartily  troubled  for  the  Sin  in  my'  Heart, 
^^  and  that  fountain  of  Corruption^  the  blague  of  my 
'^'  Heart  afflids  me. 
^'^  5.  Concerning  my  Love. 

^^  I  long  to  fee  and  know  the  Favour  of  GOD 
^'  unto  mej  the  fight  of  That  would  make  all  my 
-  Afflidions  light. 

.   '^  I  defire  to  be  as  adlive  as  may  be  in  promoting 
,^  the  Honour  of  God  j  and  I  feldome  come  into  any 

'    ^^  Company, 


jio  ^'he  Life  oj 

^^  Coippany,  without  contriving.  Whether  I  may  not 
adjb  or  fpeak  fomcching  fpr  That  in  it^  Jaeiore  I 


'^  ieave 


'*■  I  am  forryjj  that  I  love  Gop  no  more. 

*^  The  Saints,  that'  have  t;he  Imag^  of  God^  arc 
"  thofe  whc;m  I  value  liioft. 

^^  A  Mean  Perfon  with  Grace  is  more  amiable  ta 
"  me  than  another  who  is  uthcrv^ifc  never  lb   weU 

'^  cjuglifiedj  but   Qracekfs  "     There  are   fome 

other  of  his  Examinations  ^whta  in  ToufKrcr  fears  an4 
in  ^^i-y^^/ic^^i^which  you  will  Und  in  the  tfthChapter  of 
this  Book  :  \  brought  this  one  in  here^  as  a  Specimen 
pf  his  early  Senie  of  Religion,  ' 

7.  Another  Thing,  In  which  he  demonftrated 
his  early  'Tiety,  was  his  inceiTant  Afpirations  aftcs 
Ufefulnefs.  He  was  always  of IvIe l  a  n  c  t  > ;  on^s  Mind, 
whofaidjZf/'iui?o  iioitlabcund  and  encreafe  viRicheSx 
fkey  "nay  for  all  ^^  ;  I  lofk  i't>on  my  Works  as  my 
'j^reafure  \ :  He  therefore  fought  ii/^  O.ccafipps  for 
4oin^J^  Good. 

Tie  Maxim  he  we^t  ijpon  was  this,  ^hat  a  Power 
and  Oppoi:tunity'^«'  do  Goad  not  only  ^ives  a  Right 
to  the  jDoing  ofit^  vut  alfo  makes  the  ijoing  of  it  a 
Duty  ;  A  Maxim  truly  noble  and  divine  hoth  /;;  if 
felfy  and  in  its  EiTi^s  !  And  it  is  built  upon  thof^ 
Words  of  our  bleiied  Apoflle^,  As  ive  bave  Oj>^orru^ 
ftityy  let  us  do  Good  unto  all  Men.  * 

Having  a  Principle  of  Good-PVfll  to  Man  deeply 
rooted  in  hisSoul^  he  was  very  foon  and  veryflrongiy 
defirous  that  it  might  grow  and  flourifli,  a^d  Lhac 
others  might  be,  t.he  better  for  it. 

■  He  firft  let  himfclf  to  contrive  whatGood  he  mi-ght 
be  able  to"  do  in  hi?  Father's  Family ^  by  in-n-ra-^in^ 
his  Brethren  and  Sifters^  and  by  exhorting  t^ie  Ser- 
vants. 

He  anon  p?oc-:reded  to  impofe  it  a.s  a  R'«ile  upon 
himfclf,  never  to  Qome  into  any  Company   where  k' 

\  I>  Oprr'd-un  fif  Jhunti.iJitin  ??3<r.i  ;  Dhiii'n  ptr  ms.licst 
slmvJsi  rwf^uis  voliisri:*        * ''.->3il.  VJ,  soc 


Dr.  Cot'j'pN  Mather^  ?i 

mi^^  ^^  proper  for  him  to  difcourfe,  but  he  wouldp 
if  poiiibie,  (o  order  it  that  it  might  be  ferviccablc  to 
the  Company  ;  and^,  he  f^w  the  Fulfilment  of  that 
Promifcj  I'd  him  that  has  Jh all  be  ^ivenx  For^,  upon 
Jiis  faithful  Improvement  ©f  his  Talents,  He  found 
his  Lord  and  Mailer  went  on  and  multiplied  his  Op^ 
fortunities:,  untjll  he  came  tp  ferve  whole  Churches, 
Tb'wm  an4  Coumries, 

From  his  own  happy  Experience  therefore,  when 
he  was  advanced  ip  Age^  his  would  often  advife  Toung 
Men,  to  contrive  and  liudy  as  early  as  poffible  ro  do 
Good,  to  love  it  and  to  account  it  a  noble  T^^^ff- 
While  ^tf  and  our  Opportunities  arc  but  fmally  he 
would  have  us  invent  as  many  ways  as  we  can  to  be 
ferviceable :  He  would  not  have  us  impertinent^  im- 
modcffc  or  oftentatious  in  our  Elfays ,  but  would  have 
us  with  humility,  and  yet  with  Readinefs^  begin  be-* 
times  with  our  j'mall  Stocky  and  expe*^  thai^  before 
we  have  done^  God  will  do  great  things  for  us  as 
well  as  by  us.  I  Have  made  fome  Digrellion ;  hut  the 
l/fefulnefs  of  it  will  make  Amends  for  it,  I  ihall  have 
Occafion  hereafter  more  particularly  to  mention  his 
great  Ufefulnejs  and  extenflve  Labors, 

8,  He  very  young  tho't  it  his  Duty  to  give  unto  the 
L  O  R!D  ofallSdmQ  'part  -f  the fm all fubftaiice  which 
was  afforded  him.  Even  from  ^  4  he  devoted  a  Jent^ 
to  our  Mekhi^edek ;  and  ircifi  his  Childhood  was 
very  good,  ni^nly  and  generous. 


I  will  mention  bv^t  t-wo  lufiances  here  of  hrs  good 
Spirit  and  Charity  ;  (  having  Occafion  e're  long  to 
give  yovi  forrie  rriore  )  you  will  take  them  in  his  own 
Words; .     .=        • 

^^  It  may  not  be  amifs  now  ausl  then  to  mention  a 
^^  Remarkable  Providence y  and  make  fome  RemarJus 
^■^  on  the  retaliating  Difpeiifations  of  Heaver,  towards 
^f  me.  One  things  that  I  will  abfcrvCj  is  what  I  met 
^^  with  in  the  t-ivcnty  firff  Year  of  my  Life.  I  cai;i  tel! 
£f  that  the  Lord  has  mcH  i^otahlyjin  many  In:1ances 

'     ■  '   '  ■    ii  ret"i:ated 


f  2  Sr>be  Life  of 

**■  retaliated  my  Dutifulnefs  unto  my  Father.  Some 
'^  of  the  Inftances  which  I  have  taken  Notice  of  may 
^^  feem  trivial,  but  yet  the  Retaliation  I  law  in  'em 
**■  gave  them  a  Relip, 

^^  As  now,  I  was  Owner  of  a  Z^^^^*:^,  which  I  was 
^  fond  of  for  the  Variety  of  Motions  in  it.  I  law  my 
^^  Father  took  a  Fancy  to  it^  and  I  made-a  Prefent  of 
'*"  it  unto  him,  with  fome  Tho'ts  that  as  it  was  but  a 
'*■  peice  of  due  Gratitude  unto  fuch  a  Parent,  lb  I 
'*■  mould  not  go  without  a  Recompence.  Quickly 
'^  after  this  there  came  to  me  a  Gentlewoman,  from 
'^^  whom  I  had  no  Reafon  to  cxped  fo  much  as  a 
*^  Viilt  :  But  in  her  Vifit,  (he,  to  my  Surprize  prayM 
'^  me  to  accept,  as  a  Prefent  from  Her,  a  Watch ^ 
'^  which  was  indeed  preferibie  to  that,  with  which  I 
*■<■  had  parted.  I  reiolved  hereupon  to  ilir  up  2)//r/- 
*'  fulnejs  unto  parents  in  my  felf  and  others  more 
'^  than  ever. 

"At  another  Time;  I  bought  a  S^anijh  Indian 
^^  Servant,  and  bcilowed  him  upon  my  father.  Some 
*^  Years  after  this  a  Knight,  whom  i  had  laid  under 
*^  many  Obligations,  beftewed'  a  Spanlp  Indian  Ser- 
'^  vant  upon  me.  Many  more  fuch  Things  I  might 
'^  mention  j  but  I  give  thefe  for  a  'Tafie. 

Secy.  4.    His  Marriages  and  Children ^  nxith  his 
Methods  of  Educating  them. 


h' 


;EcAU3E  I  chufe  to  iinilh  what  I  have  to  write 
concerning  him  (  inter  privates  ^Pariftes )  in 
his  private  Capacity,  I  enclinc  now  to  bring  in  this 
Se^tion^t  and  a  following  one, 

2.  Mr.  Mather  tho't  it  advifeable  in  his  24th 
Year  to  Marry.    He  firft  looked  up  to  Heaven  for 

Diredion,  and  heard  the  Ccunfel  of  his  Friends 

The  Perfonhc  firll  pitched  upon  was  Mrs.  Auigail^ 
the  Daughter  cf  the  Honourable  Col.  Phillips  of 
Charleflown,  to  whom  he  ^  was  married.  She  was  9 
comely  ingenious  Woman  and  an  agrcable  Confort. 
She  died  in  the  Year  1702. 

5.  Upo>4 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather; 


a -2 


«;.  Upon  her  Death  his  Family  was  in  great  Darkx 
ticfs  Sc  Diforder;  which  made  him  continually  look  to 
Him  from  nvhom  defcends  every  good  Gifiytokeal  the 
preach  Gor  had  made  on  his  Family.     His  Petitions 
were  abundantly  granted.    God  fhowed  him  aCien- 
tlewoman  a  near  Neighbour;  whofc  Charader  I  ihall 
give  as  1  have  it  from  thofe  who  intimately  knewhert 
-—  She  was  one,  of  liniihed  ^iety  and  Probity,  and 
of  an  unfpotted  Reputation;    one  of  good  fenfe^  and 
'blefsM  with  a  compleat  "Difcretion  in  ordenng   an 
Houfehoid ;  one  of  imgular  good-Humour  and  incom- 
parable Sweetnefs  of  Temper;  one,  with  a  veryhand- 
Ibme  engagmg  Countenance ;  and  one  honourably  def- 
r^A/^^r/^  related i'TwasMrs.EL I zABETH  FIubbard  ; 
who  was  the  Daughter  of  Dr,   John  Clark.     She 
had  been  a  Widow  Jour  Tears ^  when   Dr.  Mather 
married  her,  which  was  ^«^.  i8.  1705.     He  rejoiced 
in  her' as  having  great  ffioll^znd  in  finding  her  found 
great  Favour  of  the  Z0R2J.     They  lived  together 
in  perfedl  Concent  and  Harmony  ten  Years  :  She  died 
Nov^  8.  1719.  with  JVillingnefs ;  the  Fear  of  Death 
was  extinguiOied  in  her  ;  She  committed  her  (elf  into 
the  Hands  of  her  Saviour,  and  in  the  fame  gracious 
Hands  She  left  her  Children  — She  was  much,  beloved 
and  greatly  lamented, 

4.  In  his /f/ry /^Hr  J  Year,  July  5.  171 5.  he  was 
married  to  his  third  Wife.  She  is  the  Daughter  of 
the  renowned  and  very*  learned  Mr.  Samuel  Lee  : 
She  v^^as  the  Widow  of  Mr.  George,  a  worthy  Mer- 
chant, whenDr.  Mather  pay'd  his  Refpeds  unto  her 
in  order  to  be  Marry'd.  She  is  a  Lady  of  many  and 
great  Accompliihments,  and  is  the  jDo5ior's  difcon- 
folate  Widow. 

5.  By  this  lafl:  Gentlewoman,  he  had  no  Iflue:  by 
the  two  ^mer  Wives  he  had  fifteen,  only  two  of 
which  are%2mg ;  one  ^Daughter  by  the  firfi  Wife; 
the  -other y  ^^^  ^y  they^-^rc^z/^ ;  he  is  the  Writer. 

By  his  ,€;•/? Wife  he   had  nine  Childrjcn,  of  which 
hxtfour  arrived  to  Man's  or  Wojnans  Eitater  —  The 


si  ^he  Life  of 

firft^wis  named  Katharin  ;  a  young  Woman  of 
good  IVit,  who  underftood  Latin  and  read  Hebrew 
fluently.  She  died  of  a  Confumpion.  Nupiarim 
exfers  iS  adhuc  protervo  —  Cruda  Marito, 

The  7ie^t  was  Abigail  :  She  was  of  i  very  ami- 
able Countenance  and  loving  "Diffofition.  She  was 
Married  and  had  four  Children,  Pixo  of  which  arc 
living  :  She  died  with  Compofure  and  Toy,  in  Child- 
^irtlo. 

The  third  was  Increase;  a  young  Man  w^/^ 
Moved  by  all  who  knew  him,  for  his  Super iour  good 
Nature  and  Manners^  his  elegant  Wit  and  ready  Ex->- 
freffwnsy  He  went  to  Sea,  and  in  his  Paflage  from 
Barbados  to  Neivfoundland ^  was  loft  in  the  Atlantic. 

By  his  fecond  Wife,  tnjco  Children  only  liv'd  to 
grow  up,  out  oijlx. 

His  dear  Daughter  Elizabeth  vf^sone^  who  was 
married,  and  in  tijco  Years  after  died.  She  very  mucK 
jcefemblcd  her  Mother  in  her  'various  Veriues^ 

6.  1  muft  here  mention  it  for  the  Glory  ofGOi),  as 
'l^'cll  as  the  Honour  of  his  Servant y  that  altho'  He 
met  with  fo  many  Bereavements  in  his  Family,  (as 
"well  as  Sorrows  on  other  Accounts )  yet  He  never 
fainted  in  the  Day  of  Adverfity  :  He  tho't  his  Sor- 
rows fhould  rather  animate ,  than  hinder,  his  nume- 
rous £^V5 /o  t^o  Gcb^  :  And  therefore  when  the 
tDefires  of  his  Eyes  were  taken  a-zvay,  and  whenHc 
was  deprived  of  his  Children,  none  of  thefe  things 
mov*d  him  io  far  as  to  hinder  him  from  hisDuty.  No  ! 
He  ever  preach' d  after  their  Deaths,  every  one  of 
their  Deaths,  and  printed  the  Sermons,  that  ft> 
mhers  might  be  the  better  for  /;/;  Griefs. —  And 
indeed  He  always  counted,  it  was  in  vcry^Faithful- 
fiefs  that  He  '-jo as  ajSiiEied  ;  for  under  f-y^rJCalamity, 
He  confidered  how  his  CHRIST  migj^l  be  glorified 
both  by  his  Example  and  by  iifeful  JVritStgs ;  and,  iti 
Ihort,  under  the  repeated  Rains  of  Adverftty,  Ho 
Igccw  more  and  moic  fruitful  in  every  goodJVork. 


Dr.  CoTTONi  MatheII  (^ 

7,  Iwlll  conclude  Sed.  4..  with  reciting  folnc  fpe- 
clal  Rtiksy  which  He  obfcrved  in  the  Education  of 
his  Ctildr€?h 

1.  Hs  pourM  out  tontinual  Prayers  to  the  GOT) 
tf  alt  Grace  tor  tJoeniy  That  He  would  be  a  Father  to 
them,  bellow  His  aS^^w  ^  Gr/zce  upon  them^  ^z//J^ 
thcmh^\\\s  C^o^///^/ and  bring  them  to  Gkry.  And 
in  this  A(5Vion,  He  ivienti^nM  them  difiin^ily^  every 
one  by  2<lamey  to  the  LORD^ 

2.  He  b^gan  betimes  to  entertain  them  with  de- 
lightful Starkly  efpecially  Serif  rural  ones  :  And 
he  wx;uld  ever  conclude  with  fome  LeJJbn  of  Tiety  ; 
bidding  them  to  learn  that  Lejjon  from  the  Story. 

Ant  thus  every  Day  at  the  "Table y  He  ufed  him- 
(elf  to  tell  fome  entertaining  ll^ale  before  he  role  ; 
and  endeavor  to  make  it  ufeful  to  the  Olii)e^'Plants 
about  the  "Table. 

5.  When  his  Children  accidentally  at  any  Time 
came  m  his  way,  it  v/as  his  Cuftom  to  let  fall  fome 
Sentence  or  other,that  might  be  monitpry  or  profitable 
to  them. 

This  Matter  occalioned  Labor,  Study  and  Con-' 
trivance. 

4.  He  betimes  try'd  to  engage  his  Children  in  Ex- 
crcifes  of  Ticty ;  and  efpecially  fecret  Trayer  :  For 
which  he  gave  then  very  plain  and  brief  Dire6tions> 
and  would  fuggefl  unto  them  the  n^etitions  which  he 
would  have  thtm  make  before  the  LORD,  and 
which  he  would  therefore  explain  to  their  Apprehcn- 
fion  and  Capacity.  And  he  would  often  call  upon 
Them;  Child  ^  Tion^t  you  forget  every  2)ay  to  g9 
alone  a  fid  fray  as  I  have  dire5fed  you. 

5.  He  tetimes  endeavored  to  form  in  his  Children 
a  Temper  of  'Bempnry.  He  would  put  them  upon 
doing  S'jrvlceS^  Kindneffes  for  one  another,  and  for 
other  Children.  He  would  applaud  them  when  he 
faw  them-  delight  in  it.    He  v\rould  ufbrauf  all  Aver- 

fios 


iS-  3^^'<?  Zife  of 

fion  to  it.  He  would  Caution  them  exqiiifitely  p.gainll 
«11  Revenges  of.  Injuries,  and  would  inflrud  them  to 
return  good  Offices  for  Evil  ones.  He  would  fliow 
them,  how  they  would  by  this  Goodnefi  become  like 
the  Good  GOD  and  the  blelied  JESUS."  He  would 
let  them  difcern  he  was  not  iatislied,  except  when 
they  had  a  Siveetnefs  of  Temper  fhining  in  them. 

6.  Asfoon  as  poflible,  he  would  make  the  Children 
learn  to  Write  \  And  w^hen  they  had  the  Ufe  of  the 
Pen  J  he  would  employ  them  in  Writing  out  the  moll 
inilrucftive  and  profitable  Things  he  could  invent  for 
them.  In  this  way  he  propofed  to  fill  their  Minds 
with  excellent  I'Mngs^  w^hich  he  hop'd  would  make 
a  deep  Impreffion  upon  their  Minds. 

7.  He  inceflantly  endeavoured,  that  his  Children 
might  betimes  be  aded  by  Principles  of  Reafon  and 
Honour. 

He  would  firft  beget  in  them  an  high  Opinion  of 
their  Father^s  Love  to  them,  and  of  his  being  bcft 
ahle  to  judge y  what  fhall  be  good  for  them. 

Then  he  would  make  them  fenfible,  it  was  Folh' 
for  them  to  pretend  to  any  Wit  or  Will  of  their  own  : 
They  muft  reiign  all  to  Himy  who  would  be  fure  to 
do  what  is  befl  ;  his  Word  muft  be  their  La-iv. 

He  would  caufe  them  to  underftand^  that  it  is  an 
turtful  and  ffljcimeful  Thing  to  do  amifs.  He  woul^ 
aggravate  this  on  all  Occalions  •  and  let  them  fee  how 
aminhk  they  will  render  them.fclves  by  u'ell-dcing. 

The  frff  ChajfiJ ztnent  which  he  would  infiidl  for 
any  ordinary  Fault,  was  to  let  the  Child  fee  and  hur 
tim  in  an  Altoniihment,  and  hardly  able  to  believe 
that  theChild  could  do  fo  ^^/^  a  Thing  jbut  believing 
that  they  would  "never  do  it  again. 

He  would    never  come  to   give  a  Child  a  Slo-zVy 
JCKcept  in  cafe  of  Obftinacyy  or  fomething  that  is  very 
€riminaL 
To  be  chared  for  a  ivhik  out  of  hlsTf^fence ,hc^o\Ad 

tnake  to  be  looW  upon  as  the  foreft  Puniihment  w 
IxU  Family, 


Dr.  CoT'tou  MATHia:  ij 

He  would  with  all  poffible  Infinuations  come  upon 
them  to  gain  this  Point,  That  fo  lear:-t  all  great. 
i'hingSy  ivas  the  nohlefl  TJoing  in  the  World,  He  was 
not  fond  of  propofmg  "Flay  to  them  as  a  Reward  of 
dny  diligent  Application,  to  learn  what  is  good ,  left 
they  Ihould  think  Diverjion  to  be  a  better  and  nobler 
thing  than  Diligence.  ,  He  would  have  them  to  pro- 
pound andexpe&at  this  rate,  I  have  done  avell ;  and 
noiv  Iivill  f^o  to  my  Father^  'who  mil  teach  me  feme 
thing  curious  for  it.  Ho  would  have  his  Children 
account  it  2i  Privilege  to  be  taught ;  and  would  fome- 
dmes  manage  the  matter  fo,  that  Refufmg  to  teach 
ihem  fomething  Ihould  be  looked  upon  as  a  ^unip^ 
ment.  The  Strain  of  his  ^hreatnings  therefore  was  5 
tToufiallnot  be  allonjced  to  read,  or  to  'write,  or  t^ 
learn  fuch  a  thing  jif you  do  not  as.  I  have  bidden you^ 

The  Slavijh  way  of  Education,  carried  on  vv'ith 
Raying  h  Kicking  &  Scourging  (.  in  Schocls  as.  well 
as  Families  )  he  looked  upon  as"a  dreadful  Judgment 
of  God  on  the  World  ;  he  tho't  the  \PraBice  abomi- 
t'.able,    and  exprefs'd  a  mortal  Averiion  to  it. 

8.  Tho'  he  found  a  vafl:,  a  wonderful  Advantage 
in  having  his  Children  itrongly  byaiied  by^  the  Prin- 
ciples of  Reafon  Sc  Honour ;  (  which  he  obferved  thac 
Children  will  feel  and  undertod  fooner  than  is  com- 
monly tho't  for;  )  yet  he  would  not  neglecl:  any 
Means  and  Endeavoufs  to  have  higher  'jPrlnci^les 
infufed  iiiio  them. 

He  would  therefdre  bet<mes  a'jue  them  with  the 
fenfeof  the  Fye  efG02J  upon  them  in  the  fVays 
which  they  take.  . 

He  would  Ihow  them  how  they  muft  love  curLord 
Jesus  C-^rist  ;^nd  b:ow  th^y  nvi^t  denfonfircite  it. 
by  dcir.g  what  theif  PafiTits  reqiaiie  of  tl-iem. 

He  w'ould  oft'en  ^e!l  them  oixh^good  .Angels j  wh<^ 
Jove  :hem,  help  them;  guard  them  from  Evil  and  do 
fr:any  s^ood  Omces  for  them  ;  who  likewife  take  a 
very  diligent  Notice  of  them^  and  ou^ht  n«t  in  aty'^ 
rne'-:0'i^e.  10  be  difobli^^cd. 


A^' 


Tls  Life  of 


Hi  would  not  fay  much  to  them  of  the  rj/7^;;^e/i; 
becaufc  he  would  not  have  them  entertain  any  fright- 
ful i-ancies  about  the  Apparitions  of  X^ rj/7;  :  But  yet, 
he  would  briefly  let  them  know_,  that  there  are!Z>m/j, 
w  ho  tempt  them  to  Wickednefs,  who  are  glad  when 
they  do  wickedly^  and  who  may  get  leave  ol  God  to 
kill  them  for  it. 

HE  A 1^^ EN  and  Hell  he  fet  before  them  clearly 
and  faithfully^,  as  the  Confequcnces  of  their  good  or 
bad  Behaviour  here. 

9.  When  the  Children  w^ere  cafal^Ie  of  it_,  he 
would  take  them  alofte  one  by  one  ;  and  after  many 
atfedionate,,  loving,  ftrong  Charges  unto  them^,  to 
fear  GO  D^  to  fcrve  CHRIST  and  fhun  Si»;  he 
would  pray  ivitb  them  in  his  Study^  and  make  them 
the  Witneifes  of  the  Agonies  and  Strong  Cries^,  with 
which  he  J  on  their  behalf,  addrelfed  the  Throne  of 
Grace. 

ic.  He  found  much  Benefit,  by  a  particular  Me- 
thod as  ^i  Catechifing  the  Children/ fo  of  carrying  on 
the  Repetition  of  the  public  Sermons  unto  them. 

The  Anfwers  of  the  Cathechifm  he  v/ould  explain, 
with  Abundance  of  brief  ^usflions  which  make  them 
to  take  in  the  \\hole  meaning  j  and  he  found  by  this- 
Way  that  they  did  fo. 

And  when  the  ^f?r;?;o;^s  were  to  be  repeated ^  he 
ehofe  to  put  every  'Truth  into  a  ^uefiion,  to  be  An- 
fvvcrcd  w^ith  Tes  or  No.  In  this  way  he  would  awaken 
the  jlt  tent  ion  as  well  as  enlighten  the  Underftand- 
ing  of  his  Children.  And  in  this  w^ay  he  would  take 
the  Opportunity  to  ask,  Tio  you  defire  fuch  orfuch  a. 
Grace  of  God}  And  the  like:  And  in  this  way,  he 
had  Opportunity  to  demand,  and  perhaps  to  obtain 
their  early  and  frequent  (and  why  not  JiHcere} )  Con- 
feat  unto  the  glorious  Articles  of  the  Ne-zv-Covenant. 
He  tlK^t  the  Spirit  of  Grace  might  f-iU  upon  them  in 
this  Action, and  they  might  be  fdz'd  by  Hi  m  and  held 
as  His  Temples  thro'  Eternal  Ages.  Blcifed  be  (jod 
it  was  fo  with  ievci*il  of  them. 

Thus 


Dr.  CoTTOii  Mather,  if 

Thus  I  have  recited  the  ufual  Methods ^  which  Mr. 
Mather  obferved  in  bringing  up  his  Children  : 
There  are  feveral  otherThings  which  were  very  praiie 
worthy  in  his  Carriage  tov^^ards  Them;,  but  not  of 
that  Conlequencc  with  thofe  I  have  written  ^j  and 
therefore  I  Ihall  omit  them. 


Sect.  5,  Mifcellaneoui  Heads' of  private  Condu^. 


T.  It  is  a  faying  of  Ger son's,  ^ui  bene  vlvh 
fejnfer  orat^  He  that  lives  well^  frayi  -ixnthout  Cea- 
Jing-  Mr.  Mather  was  one  of  th'oie  good  Livers, 
He  prayed  alw^ays^  at  leall,  J/x  times  a  2) ay  every 
Day. 

2.  He  was  a  Gentleman  of  uncommon  ^ifpatcb 
and  Activity,  and  yet  was  ever  upon  good  'Devices ; 
io  thatj  tho'  he  was  conjlaritly  doing  Servi:e,  he  was* 
ever  enquiring  *    Ho-zv  Joe  might  do  7?jore  Good  ? 

Upon  David's  ^rr?!  being  ^,ble  to  break  a  "Boiso 
<if  SteHy  Austin's  Glofs  is,  thit  his  In  tern  ion  of 
good  TVorks  was  indefatigable  \,  Altho'  the  literal 
was  not  j  the  Glofs  was,  falfilled  or  found  in  Mr.Ma- 

TIIER. 

5.  His  Converfation  he  endeavour'd  to  render  ex- 
tremely entertaining,  and  it  was  fo  ;  for  he  produced 
fuch  a  variety  of  ufeful  Difcourfe  as  made  him  welcome 
wherever  there  was  any  Rclilh  for  Learning,  ^Polite- 
nefs  and  Ingenuity,  He  had  the  jfe  ne  fcay  qu  i  of 
Converfation  in  Perfection.  As  for  his  Friends  whert 
in  Company  with  him,  when  his  Sp^rech  dropped  up- 
on them,  after  his  Words,  they  f pake  not  again ;  ihcy 
ipa  ted  /or  hr..n,  as  for  the  Rain,  and  they  cppned 
their  Mouth  -ivide  as  fcr  the  httcr  R^iin  :  Ij  he 
laugh 'd  on  thcni,  they  believed  it  not.  —-  And  as  for, 
Es  ' Eicmie^y—  even  they  confefs'd  his  Excellent  and^ 


f  lnieni:o_  hsrio'Tmj  Opcnm  in  ei  ctat  ivdefat'-^nyi  r. 
C  2,  frcfjabi^ 


i'*-  ^he  Life  of 

fnfitahly  f  leafing  Convcrfationj  and  in  Society  witk, 
him  they  were  filled  with  fiknt  Wonder.  Ha^fy  ths 
ConverffJlon^  and  happy  the  fharers  in  it  |1  1 

I  fhall  here  give  you  the  Rules  he  ebferved  m 
Converflng  :  They  may  be  rankj?d  under  three  Heads. 

Flrjfj  He  would  not  aCec^  Et^azity  in  his  D^if- 
cour fes,  but,  on  the  contrary,  much  ^eliberatmu 
The  Gravity  and  UJifcretion,  accompanying  fuch  a 
Caution,  he  beheld  as  of  gjeater  Conkquence  to  one 
in  all  Companies,  than  the  Reputatiori  of  Wity  whicb 
by  a  greater  Volubility  of  Tongue  might  eafily  be  ac- 
quired :  And  belidcs  he  remcmbred  in  many  Wbrdi 
tijcre  ivants  net  Sin* 

Secondly y  He  would  fludioufly  decline  to  utter 
»ny  thingjthat  he  foreiaw  might  be  ufelefi ;  and  much 
inore,  every  Thing  that  might  be  hurtful  zndfinfulto 
be  uttered.  It  was  his  Ambition  every  where  to  fpeak 
nffully,  and  fay  only  thole  Things  .that  one  or  other 
might  be  the  ^cvifer  or  better  for. 

^i/trdlyy  He  v^ould,  with  all  the  nice  Contrivance 
imaginable,  improve  Opportunities  to  fay  fomething 
or  other,  that  might  particuhuly  fct  oWfomeGlories  of 
his  Lord  :  He  would  every  where  contrive,  if  it  wefb 
poiTlble,  to  let  fall  feme  Sentence  or  other,  by  which 
high  Tho'ts  of  Christ  might  be  raifed  m  thofethac 
heard  Him. 

4.  TKiNr.iNG  his  Charitable  ^ifburfements  may 
mofl  fuitably  be  rcfcrved  for  the  next  Chapter  ;  I  ihall 
onlv  here  give  you  his  private  Sentiments,  of  Chari- 
fahk»'fs  in  his  own  Words  ;  ^ 

'*"'  I  am  not  unable  with  a  little  Study  to  write  ia 
^'  feven  Lanniages :    1  feaft  my  iclf  v^ith  the  Sweets' 


■•'■m^^i^i  j'.rie  m  k^Uiiiiii  DEL,    tiicronymi 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.' 

''^  of  all  the  Sciences  v\hich  the  more  polite  Part  of 
*^  Mankind  ordinarily  prcteftd  lihto.  lam  entertained 
^^  with  all  kinds  of  Hijlorie^  ancient  £nd  modern. 
f^  lam  no  liranger'to  th^j  Curioiities^  which  by  all 
^^  forts  of  Learning  are  brought  unto  the  ciirioui. 
'*■  Thefe   IntdkBUal  Pleafures   are   far  beyond'  any 

^^  Senfual  ones. Neverthelefi.-^  all  this  attords  me 

^^  not  fo  much  Delight  as  it  does^  to  relieve  tiu  Dii- 
^"^  trelfes  of  any  one  poor  mean  miferable  Neighbour  ; 
*^^  and  much  more,  to  do  any  extenlive  Service  for 
^^  theRedreis  of  thofeEpidemicalMiieries  under  which 
'*■*■  Mankind  in  general  is  languifhingj  and  to  advance 
'^  the  Kingdom  of  God  in  the  World. —  Hi;  pri"- 
yate  Condudt  was  confonant  with  his  Sentiments. 

5.  It  was  his  watchful  Defire  and  Study,  never  uy 
maintain  tl  pejfoml  ^inrrel  with  any  Man  breath- 
ing i  but  rather  deny  himfelf  ofhis  Humor,  his  Elleem, 

' or  any    Thing   in    the   World.      His    Reafon 

was,  becaufe  no  Man  can  manage  a  ferlbn.U 
i^arrel  without  lofing  abundance  of  precious 
^ime,  which  may  be  laid  out  infinitely  better  kx 
the  Service  of  Christ  and  his  Church  j  belidesadeal 
of  inevitable  SI//,  which  will  iniinuate  it  lelfiiuo 
every  perfonal  Quarrel yhy  which  one's  internal  Peace 
isjbroken.  And  further,  iince  w^e  have  but  a  fijort 
Ollme  to  live  in  the  World,He  tho't  it  foolifh  to  throiv 
;iway  any  of  it  in  Squabbles. 

6.  CofjsiDE^RiN'-r  that  for  Men,  even  ^8;ood  Af^?; 
to  fpcc  k  Evil  one  of  another,  is  a  very  evil  Thing- — 
He  tho't  it  would  be  a  con ficierablc  Service  to  feei 
the  SupDreffion  of  that  Vice  or  any  Verp;cncies  tr.jt^ 
in  hiinfjlf  Wherefore,  after  Hif^hts  to  his  [rsus  for. 
Strength  to  Ii7U  and  'Perform^  he  n^ade  tliJie  Krlj- 
lutions. 

That  he  would  never  fpeak  f'alfely  of  any  Man  y 
and  that  if  he  fpake  Evil  of  any  Man,  "it  ihould  be  u,^  - 
der  thefe  Liuiitations  and  Regulations, 

^  •  G     5  ^.:.^ 


2^  ^l^s  Life  of 

Fir  ft  3  That  He  would  keep  z  Charity  fortkcPer- 
fon  of  whom  he  fpoke,  wifhing  moii  heartily  that 
all  Good  might  be  fpeken  of  him  ;    and   he  would 

from  Chaiity  Ipeak  to  thofe    when  with  them  ;    

always  thinking.  Whether  ivhat  he  faid  might    be 
for  the  "Benefit  of  the  Hearers'^, 

Secondly,  If  He  f poke  what  was  Evil  of  any  Per- 
fon,  he  would  carefully  watch  over  his  Heart,  that 
he  did  not  utter  it  'ivith  Delight :  He  would  manage 
it  with  Brevity  and  Averfion^  as  a  very  ungrateful 
Subjech 

Tr:irJly,  When  he  mufl,  or  was  obliged  to  fpeak 
what  is  £'jil  of  any  Man,  if  he  knew  of  any  Good 
that  could  be  fpoken  of  him,  he  would  befure  to 
balance  the  EvU  with  the  mention  of  the  Good. 

Fourthly 3  Before  he  v7ou\d  fpeak  Evil  of  a  Man, 
he  would  confider  whether  he  iliould  not  firfl  fpeak 
to  him ;  and,  be  it  how  it  will,  he  would  ordinarily 
fpeak  nothing,  but  what  he  fhould  chearfully  and 
contentedly  lay  in  the  Hearing  of  the  Man  of  whom 
he  is  talking. 
Ant, 

Fifthly,  He  would  aggravate  nothing  ;  and  when 
he /poke  of  an  Evil  would  not  make  it  worfe  than  it 
was. 

These  Rules  he  confcientioufly  obferved.— Would 
to  GoD^  others  werefo  careful  as  to  take  a  due  No- 
tice of  them  ! 

7.  Because  he  did  not  love  to  be  difturbed  with 
tedi  ■!<:>  i^  impertinent  Vifters^dnd  becaufe  his  FricnJj 
(  A»i'C'-  'JTemporis  Fures  )  might  fomctiincs  unfpolo- 
nably  interrupt  him,  ht  wrote  over  his  Study  tDour 
in  Capitals,  Be  bHORT.  And  yet,  let  him  be  ever 
io  bufy  when  a  Friend  came  to  fee  him,  he  threw  all 
by,  ^e^'?LS p'rfeBly  eafy,  jwith  pleafure  communi- 
cated the  Obfcrvations  he  had  lately  met  with,  and 
was  fo  very  obliging  that,  akho'his  Friends  knew  hi ^■ 
hurry  and  gre?,t  l^ulinefs,  they  knew  not  how  to  leave 
ll^y-i.  5.  lis 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather,  ^5 

6.  H^  would  rarely  fee  a  torn  Leaf  of  a  !Bible  in 
Cbc  Street,  but  would  take  it  up  with  fome  particular 
Mark  of  Refpecl:  ^  not  knowing  but  he  might  iiud 
iomQ.fpecir.1  Admonition.     This  he  found  a  very  ^r(/~ 

'-fit able  'Practice. 

p.  When  h^rode  c^broad^He  would  mofl: commonly 
take  fome  young  Gentleman  with  him^with  whoir.  he 
'us'd  to  p'ay  in  private  at  their  Lodging  in  Inns  and 
Gentlemen's  HouftJS,and  unto  v. horn  he  vv'ould  endea- 
vour in  all  poilible  ways  to  recommend  Religion  wich 
the  i vveet  and  eafy,  but  llrong  Charms  of  it. 

10.  When  he  went  into  any  confiderable  Tovvns^ 
he  would  for  ths  moil:  part  beg  ^lay-'Days  for  the 
iBoys;  and^  as  a  Condition  for  their  being  excufed 
from  School:,  he  would  enjoyn  fome  Religious  ^I^ask 
'Upon  them. 

I  r.  If  he  heard  that  anyPerfon  had  done  him  "wrong 
in  Wurdor  Deed,  he  v/ould  feldom  let  him  know  that 
he  had  'sny  Knowlege  of  it.  The  belt  Way  he  tho't 
v.'as  to-for.givs  tlie  wrong  and  bury  it  in  Silence,  For 
bclides  the  Coniideration  due  to  the  internal  Advan- 
tage reaped  ■  by  fuch  Chriflianity,  there  is  this  to  be 
confiJcred  ;  Such  is  the  Malignity  in  the  mofl  ofMen^ 
that  they  y/iVy.  hate  you  only  becaufe  they  know  they 
have  'ivronge:i  you..  They  Vv^ill^  as  far  as  they  can, 
ji[f}ify  the  VvTong  they  have  done  you"';  and  becaufe 
they  imagine  you  owe  them  alike  TtTow^,  they  will 
bear  a  confirmed.S/^/V^'  to  you.-  But  he  found  the  beft 
way  w^as  'Patience  Sc  Silence  ;  the  Coniequence  of 
which  has  been ,  thofe  who  itrongeJ  him  became  h'vz 
I^efl  Friends  afterw^ards,    •       ■ ,        ■  ■  ■ 

1 2.  I  wa^  going  to  relate  fome  other  Rnlcs  of 'Prac- 
tice, o{^ri{ihnce,  and  alfo  to  tell  the  jMcthodswhfcli 
Jie  kept  to,  to  preferve  Health.  But  I  rem-cmber 
Be  has  dcfcribed  his  Practice  in  thofe  Rules  and  Me- 
thods v^hich  he  has  mentioned  at  the  Fad  of  l^^isiMA  - 
isjurucTiO  AC  MiNiTSERiuM^to  vvhich  I  rc'c-r  yog 
•  C  -1  .-.  \ 


z^  T^e  tife  of 

1 5.  I  will  conclude  this  Scftion  and  Chapter  with 
an  Account  of  r'ti^c?  Books  in  which  he  was  writing 
conft^ntly. 

The  firfl  was  his  ^uotidiana  (  as  he  calPd  it  )  or 
Common-^ lace  Sook-y  in  which  he  wrote  along  the 
remaikable  Paffages  in  any  Author  as  he  read  him  ; 
tut  for  fear  he  Ihould  be  at  alofs  in  finding  any  Paf- 
fage,  entred  as  he  found  it^,  he  therefore  numbered 
every  Quotation^  and  at  the  Enci  of  his  Book  had  an 
Index  of  l^aineSy  "things ^  die,  fo  that  he  could 
preieptiy  have  Rccourie  to  the  Sentences  he  wanted. 

The  c^^fr  Book  v^'as  his  'Diary  \  in  which  he 
kept  an  Account  of  the  moft  confiderable  Articles  in 
which  he  had  done  his  Duty^  "  as  well  as  thofe  ip. 
which  He  had  been  deficient. 

There  was  a  German  one  Sebastian  Heinric^ 
who,  not  many  Years  ago,  publifhed  for  the  Courfe 
of  one  Year  whatever  he  didy  read  oxfaiu  for  that 
Year.  ...... 

Mr.  Mather's  CDiary  was  not  fuch  a  Medley  : 
No  /  There  was  none  but  imj)ortanr' Matters  enured 
into  it.  I  will  only  take  Notice  of  what  I  have  eol- 
leded  in  obferving  one  0ay]y  and  one  Tear  of  it. 

I  find  in  one  of  tiis  Diaries  an  Account  of  theTranf- 
aclions  of  one  2.hzy  zs  (ollovfs.  *'  This  Day  1  per- 
^  formed  the  JDuties  of  my  g^;?fr^/C^///;/^,  inftructed 
'  the  Scholars  under  my  Charge,  underwent  the  Di- 
^  verfion  of  A'p^/i  and  Canpmy^  with  whom  I  was  a 
^  confiderable  while  ;  I  tpads  z  long  Sermon  and 
'^  preached  it  i  1  (pent  more  than  a  little  Tiir.e  at 
'  the  privat-e  Meetings  where  I  preached,  and  read 
"  over  Knox's  Ilifiorical  Relation  of  the  Ifland  of 
^  Ceylon. 

Im  the  Obfervation  of  one  whole  Year  of  his  Diary 
I  took  Notice  of  it,— 

'  1'h  a  t  he  had  preached  above  feventy  t^xo  fublick 
Sermon?,  and  many  j^rlvate  ones;  perhaps  nf^srbalf 
as  many.- 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.  »> 

That  not  one  ^ay  jailed  wltbout  fome  Contri- 
vance to  do  Good  invented'  and  regiflred  j  belides,  I 
{(jp'^ofe^  many  ^t-y^rentred  his _ Memorials. 

i^nAT  no  cm  T>ay  had  palled  without  being  able 
to  ivj  at  Night,  that  fcma  of  his  Rcvenuis,  tho* 
fmally  had  been  dealt  out  to  pious  Uies. 

That  h^  \i2idi p'efared  and  publiped  about  four- 
Ueti  Books. 

That  he  had  kept /xr^  FliJIs^  and  t^.venty  two 
Vig-is. 

A  vaft Variety  of  otherThings  I  find  recorded, which 
I  fhall  omit :  I  bring  this  oi^y  as  a  Specimen  of, 
his  2>/^r;',  how  it  was  replenilhed  an4  vvhap  Pains  he 
took  not  to  fpend  his  LJfe  in  vain. 

But  notwithllauding  He  took  luck  Care  of 
fpendinghis  Tim.e  j  yet,  I  often  in  his  Books  find 
him  complaining  of  his  ^enrlencies^  Szc.  Hisfirll 
Years,  He  cAls^  7*1  me  jo  mi f pent  as  to  render  it  un^ 
worthy  to  he  called  a  Life;  after  he  was  grown  in 
Years,  he  chole  rather  to  fay,  fuch  a  Tear  of  his  Age 
than  his  Life  :  On  one  of  his  Books  I  r^ad,  fuch  a 
Tear  of  a  forfeited  Life  ;'  on  another  Year,  of  '^  my 
finnifi'^againfmyfrecioui  llEDEi.M?:R  ''  :  On  ano- 
,ther,  ^'^  Alas  of  my  Unfriiitfulnefs  "  /  On  a  fourth, 
''  A  Tear  puceeyd  a-zvay  in  Sin  and  Slctb  ".  So 
that  it  might  be  faid  of  Him,  as  was  faid  of  one  that 
was  very  exad  in  hi\  Walk^  that  his  Life  s\'^s  ^er^e-^ 
tua  Cenfura J  d.  continudl   Ceniure  of  himfelf. 

Alt  ho'  he  thus  complains  of  himfelf ;  it  would 
be  happy  for  the  greatejt  'Tart  of  the  World,  if  they 
could  give  fo  good  an  Account  of  their  Time  and 
their  Talents.  jBleffed  is  -  fuch  a  ivife  and  faithful 
Servant y  nvbo  when  his  Lord  comet b^  is  fotmd  fo 
doings 

I  might  under  this  Chapter  have  given  you  a  large 
Account  of  his  FafiSy  ^c.  (  which  belong  to  his  pri- 
vate Charafler  and  Conducl:  )  but  I  harl  rather  rc- 
ferve  them,  until  the  dth  Chapter  obliges  me  to  pro- 
duce them.  '  ■    w     ■ 


t€  I'he  Life  of 

Chap.     II. 

if/j  public  Appearances  and  fignal  Servkes  3 
in  the  Minijiry^  and  in  Cont^crns  abflrathi 
.  from  it. 

Sect-  i.  His  MinlftrVy  Preparation  for  it  y  Hin- 
drances of  it  ^^  Introduction  imo  it 3  and  Method i 
in  ity  &c. 

I.  ''  j  "Here  was  one  Thing,  which,  from  his  Cra- 
J  xlle,  feemM  to  have  a  dark  and  fad  Afpe^ft 
upon  his  Ufefulnefs,  and  that  was  an  uncommon  im^ 
pediment  in  his  Speech.  Several  great  Men  were 
Stammerers  before  him,  as  a  Moses,  a  Paul,  a  Vir- 
gil, and  a  Bovle  ;  and  perhaps  fuch  great  and 
good  Companions  in  Adverfity  might  render  it  left 
tedious  and  more  tolerable. 

2.  While  he  was  full  of  Concern  for  Relief  from 
this  troublefome  Infirmity,  that  good  old  School- 
mafter  Mr.  Corlet  gave  him  a  Vifit  on  purpofe  to 
advife  Him  ;  Sir^  faid  he,  /  fhould  he  ^lad  if  you 
ivould  oblige  your  felf  to  ^  dilated  Deliberation  in 
/peaking  ;  for  as  in  Singing  there  is  no  one  ivho  Stam- 
mers, fo  by  prolonging  your  Pronunciation  you  uxill 
get  an  Habit  offpeaking  without  Hcefitation. 

5.  Here  I  muft  inform  my  Reader,  that  becaufc 
of  his  6'f^wwer/>g",  he  had  aimoft^  for  (ome  Time, 
laid  aOde  the  Tho'ts  of'  being  a  Alinifier^  and  had 
with  great  Application  ftudied  T  by  fie:  But,  upon 
profccuting  Mr.  Coi\ let's  Advice,  and  having  pro- 
cured with  Divine  Help  an  happy  delivery ^  he  was 
perfwaded  by  hisFriends  to  defeit  theCalling  of *i:P/K'- 
fician  ;  He  did  fo :  And  after  having  ftudied  l^teoiogy 
rationally  and  without  Prejudice,  he  prepared  for 
public  Appearance-,  And  becaufeofthe  Callinp:  he 
had  relinquiflied,  he  did  in  his  firft  Sermon  cuiilidc: 
«ur  bleiled   Saviour  as   the  glorious   ^byfician  of 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.  i^ 

Souls;  chufing  thofe  words  for  his  firft  Text  in  Luke 
IV.  1 8.  He  hath  fentmeto  heal  the  broken-hearted, 

4..  Serrarius  thought^  that  none  were  called 
RahbinS)  but  iuch  as  wqre  advanced  in  Years  and 
had  received  Impofition  of  Hands  and  taught  fomc 
Scholars.  But  altho'  he  was  well  read  in  this  Sub- 
ject Mr.  Basnage  fays,  he  was  miltaken  ;  for 
N  ACHMANiPES  was  i\\\<td  Rahbl  at  eighteen  Years 
oid^  becaufe  he  diftinguiihed  himfdf  at  this  green 
Age,  and  began  to  teach. 

Mr.  Mather  defervcd  the  Title  of  i^^^^/ at  the 
the  fame  Age  ;  for  he  then  diflinguifhed  himfclf  and 
began  to  t-^ach  :  For  on  Au^.  22.  1680.  He  A>/; 
preached  fur  his  C^and-father -ht  'JJorchefter^thQ  Sab- 
bath after  for  his  Father  at  Bojlon,  and  the  Sabbath 
fucceeding  was  in  his  ether  Grand-father's  Desk  at 
jbojion. 

5.  The  North  Church  at  5*o/?£?-^  having  Time 
after  Time  taken  notice  of  his  i^re^^  Gifts  ^  ylbilities, 
on  Fej'^uary  2,3d,  idSc.  gave  an  w/;^;;//;;^/^^  Invitation 
to  him,  tote  an  if'ldnt  to  his  Father,  and  made 
him  encouraging  Offers  for  his  Support. 

•6.  After  this,  they  had  further  Experience  of  his 
Miniflerial  ,§>uaUjicatio'is,zr\d  on  Jan.  8.  1682.  una- 
nimoufly  chofe  him  for  their 'P^/'.r,  and  deiired  his 
0/-^/;;^rio/;  as  fuch  over  them.  He  for  fome  Time 
declined  any  Compliance  with  their  repented  Calls^ 
f  partly  becaufe  they  were  not  in  extreme /]^?;;r,  ha- 
ving his  Father  w'lxh  them,  who  was  hearty  (^ ftrong , • 
and  partly  from  zr^^odsft  Opinion,  and  low  Appre- 
henhon  of  himfelf  and  his  Talents.  Chrysostom 
fays,  that  when  he  read  that  Text,  Heb.  xiii.  17. 
'They  'watch  jor  your  Souls,  as  they  that  muji  give 
Account  --  the  words  cauled  an  Earthquake  izntbin 
hir/iy  and  f  reduced  an  holy  ^Trembling  in  his  Soul.  — - 
The  fame  wbrds^  with  continued  Ref!eclions  on  them^ 
m2i<iQ:\\\m  fear  and quak.e  e>iceedingly^  about  entring 
into  facrcd  Orders. 
■   ,  7.  Never- 


f%  ^he  Life  cf 

7.  Nevertheless^  atlafl^  he  was  prevailed witji 
to  accept  the  facred  "Burden  ;  f  Onus  Angelich  HUms:' 
r/S fir '^iJ andum  !)  zndhQ  ^MS  ordained  May  15th 
1684  ;  whea  Mr.  Allen^  Mr.  Willard  and  his 
Father  impofed  Hands- on  \\\m  ;'  with  the  gocd 
Apoilolical  Eliot,  who  gave  him  the  Right  Hand 
of  FelPoivpip. — A  truly  primitive  Ordination  !  which 
he  never  once  in  his  Life'  fcrupled  the  Validity  of  1 
After  a  curious  Examination  of  moil  of  the  Fathers 
in  the  three'  firft  Centuries^  he  was  verily  perlvvaded 
tliat  every  one  of  them  had  been  perverted  and  abu- 
fed  by  defigning  Men  to  ferve  their  own  Ends,  eipe- 
cially  in  the  Inftance  of  Ordination :  And  yet  grant- 
ing' that  not  one  of  them  had  been  debauched  .and  all 
bf  them  were  unanimous  for  Eptfcoptil  (ovUidcefan  ) 
Ordination  ;  I  fay  granting  this  i  ^yet  he  iirmly  be- 
lieved that  the  77;r/fmr^/  Ordinatiofi  (  exceptirig  the 
extraordinary  Part)  wereTuchas  his  own;  and  ever 
looked  upon  tht  Choice  of  the  Teopk  as  agreable  to 
the  Rights  of  Mankind  in  general^  of  a  Church  in 
particular^  confonant  with  the  facred  Scriptures^  and 
tho't  no  Ordination  regular,  unlefs  Ekcfion  of  the 
people  preceded  it.  I  write  not  here  my  own  Senti- 
rnents  (  I  dare  not  pretencj  toi  wylte'  them,  )  but  the 
!Do5for's. 

r 

8.  I  fhall  here  tranfcribe  fome  Paflages  I  find  in 
bis'  i)iaryy  i elating  to  the  Cure  ^ cf  ^ride,  a 
bin,  which  all  are  fubjeA  unto^  'zi\d  moreefpecially 
MlnifterSy  and  which  ought  with  Care  and  all  Dili- 
gence to  be  avoided.  "' 

The  apprehenfion  of  the  curftd  Pripe  (  the^ 
'^  Sin  o{  youn^  )lfi;:ijfers  )  working  in  my  Heart, 
*"^  fiird  me  with  inexpreirible  Bitternei~^and' Confu- 
^^  fion  before  the  Lor  p.  "  In  my  early  Touth,  even 
^'  when  others  of  my  Age  ^re  phving  in  the  Streets, 
**■  I  preached  unto  very  great  Aireiiiblies,  and  found 
'^  Arangc  Refpec'^s  among 'the  People  of  God.  I 
^'  fcar'd  (and  Thanks  be  to  Gop,,that  He  ever 
'^  flruck  me  with  fuch  a  Fear  .' )  lefl-  a  Snare ^  and 
^^  zTit  v:cio  by'S?.tan  prepared  for  fuch  z.Kg'^'rc 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.  i> 

^^  I  refoivei  therefore  that  I  would /^^  apart  a  ^ay, 
(^  to  humble  my  (elf  before  God  for  the  Pr.ide  of 
^^  my  own  Hearty'  and  entreat  that  by  His  Grace  I 
<^  may  be  delivered  frbni  that  Sin  and  from  all  the 
^^  dreadful  Wrath,  to  which  I  may  be  by  that  Sin 
^^  cxpofed,  I  did  fo  ;  And  on  this  Day  I  examined 
^*^  myfelf  by  the  Discoveries  b^Tride,  which  I  found 
^^  given  in  fome  judicious  Difcourfes  on  that  Subjc6fc. 
*<■  But  Ifoundefpeciallytwo  RefpeAs^in  which  I  fear'd 
^^  I  was  guilty  before  God. 

^^  Flrfty  Ms[  jSpplaudihg  o^  my  Mrm  myTho'tS;» 
"^  when  I  have  done  any  thing  at  all  fignificant  ; 
ff  pray'd or preach'd  with  Enlargements-,  anfwered  a 
*^  Queflion  readily^  prefently,  fuitably.  "Proud  Thot's 
^^  I  law  fly-blow'd  my  bell   Performances. 

^^  Ney:t,  My  ambitious  Affectation  of  ^^^-e;»/>^/;^ff 
^  far  above  what  could  belong  tomj^  Age  or  worthy 
^'^  and  above  others  that  were  far  more  defervingthan 
*'^  my  felf. 

*"*■  For  my  Humiliation  I  then  wifote  thefe  Confl- 
*^  derations: 

^  I.  What  is  Tride  but  the  very  Image  of  Satan 
^  on  the  Soul?    The  more  any  Man  has  ofCnk^^T 

*  in  himj  the  more  humble  will  he  be,  more  lov/  and 
f  vile  in  his  own  Eyes  and  more  empty  of  himfelf. 
'^  When  God  renews  His  Image  in  us.  He  pulls 
^  dcjun  our  proud  "thci's.     "H^'is  true,    ^ride  is  a 

^^  moil  natural  Sin  ;  but  Grace  v^'ould  overcome  that 
^  in  a  molt  Ipecial  Manner  and  Mealure.  And  tbeti 
"^  how  little  Grace  have  I?  How  unlike  Him,  that 
^  could  fay^  /  itm  lo-ziiy  >  Let  me  for  this  Caiifej  aP^ 
^  hor  my  ft  If  in  2)  ufl  and  jlpcs  ! 

*^  2.  Do  I  not  by  "Pride  offend  God  ?  It  is  a 
^  Breach  of  Hrs  holy  Command  and  He  ofttn  de- 
'  dares  Wi^m Abhorrence   of  it.     His  holy  Spirit 

*  is  grieved  by  it  :  And   how   vehcmerill'y  does  the 

*  Scripture  caution  againfl  all  Tendencies  unfo   it  ? 
^  Shall  1  \j(t^x  CO  think  of  ©lending  that   God   v\hoi 


30  ^he  Life  of 

^  has  been  a  Father  to  me^  and  \vhom  I  havechofen 
'^  and  vowM  to  love  and  lervx^  as  my  God  and  Fa- 
*■  ther  ?  Or  that  Sp  i  r  i  t^,  upon  the  fvveet  Influences 
^  of  which  my  Soul  does  livc^  Sealed  umc  theUcy 
*■  of  Rede?7tpion. 

^  3.  Is  not  TrUe  a  moft  unreafonable  Folly  and 
^  Madnefs  in  me  ?  Have  I  any  juft  Occalion  for 
^  glorying  in  my  felf>  Do  I  any  Thing  fin gular'> 
^  Am  not  I  in  xnoi\  Ktt.?di-\niQViis  ey:c ceded  by  moft  oi 
^  my  Calling  and  Standing  ?  But,  Oh,  let  this  be 
*^  a  Dagger  to  my  Heart  !  Have  I  not   a  curfed  Na- 

*  ture  in  me?  And  hath  not  the  Lord  heretofore 
"^  left  me  unto  fome  Follies,  thefenfe  of  which  fhould 
^  irnke  me  walkfofily  all  my  2)  ays}  Lord,  /  am 
*■  mler  than  a  Seafl  before  Thee  !     Or,  why  fhould  I 

*  feek  Honor o  ^Tis  not  feemly  for  ^uch  ^  Foci.  Am 
^  I  fit  for  Service  ?  Or  am  I  not  rather  unfavory  Salt; 
^  fit  for  Nothing  but  the  Dunghil  ?  What  am  I  bet- 
^  ter  than  the  leafiof  all  Saints  ?  If  in  any  external 
*■  Grandeurs  I  get  above  any  of  them,  I  am  by  them. 
^  the  more  obno>:ious  to  Temptation  and  Sin  and 
*■  Wrath.  Ly  then  in  the  iJtifl^  O  my  Soul^  before 
'  GO'D. 

^  4.  How  dangerous;,  how  deftrnBlve  an  Evil  is 
^  this  ^ride  ?  I  provoke  the  God  of  Hea\^en,  to 
*■  take  away  every  one  of  thofe  Idols,  which  in  my 
^  fond  'Pride ^  I  dote  upon  ;  and  if  the  Lord  fhould 
*■  now  deprive  me  of  my  Capacities  &  Opportunities^ 
*■  where  am  1  but  in  an  horrible  Pit  of  Sorro-ws  and 
^  Miferies  ?  And  let  me  remember,  ^ride  will' 
^  fo oner  than  any  Thing  drive  away  the  goodSpi- 
*^  RiT  of  God  from  the  Heart  of  a  poor  Crenturj. 
\  And   if  that  fhould  be  my  Fate,  —  LORI),  ILive^ 

*  Mercy  on  mo  I—  What  a  Monument  ihall  the  ot 
*^  thy  direful  Vengeance  ?  O  that  the  Lop.d  would 
^  fethome  theie   Tho'ts  for  my  Humiliation! 

^  But  what  fhall  I  do  for  the  Cure  of  this  Di- 
'^  feafe  ? 


Dr.  CcfTTOM  Mather.^  ^i 

^  In  the  firft  and  chief  place,  I  would  carry  my 

■  dillemperM  Hean  unto  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  pm; 
'  it  into  the  Hands'  of  that  alfufficient  "Plo^-fician  for 
•  Him  to  cure  it. 

^  Secondly,  I  would  be  daily  watchful  againft  my 

■  Tnde,  Sc  continually  keep  an  Eye  upon  my  Heart, 
and  check  the  leajt  'Beginnings  zxxd  prfi  Motions  oi 

'  this  Corruption. 

^  Thirdly y  I  would  fludy  much  the  Namre,  the 
^  Work  ^i-vA  Aggravations  ij{th\sEvil,  andtheExcel- 
^  leney  of  the  Grace  contrary  unto  it, 

^  In  one  of  my  Supplications  this  Day,  I  thusex- 
^  prefs'd  my  felf  ; 

''  LORD,  What  ihall  I  do  for  the  Cure  of  this 
''  Difeafe  my  "Pride  ?  Blefled  be  thy  Name,  Thou 
^^  hail  fhewed  me  a  Way,  and  bid  me  ^zvalk  in  it, 
^'  Have^  I  not  beard  Thee  faying  to  my  finfuly  (lung 
^'^  ^nd  Jhvoln  Soul,  Look  unto  ME  and  be  Javed  i 
^'^  And  therefore  by  thy  Grace  I  will  do  it.  I  have 
^•^  done  it  and  have  found,  and  to  this  Day  findj  the 
^'^  Benefit  of  it.  Why  is  it  that  I  am  not  infenfibly  and 
^'^  incureably  forever  earned  away  Captive  by  t\\QLujh 
^^  with  which  I  am  now  warring  ?  ''Tis  becaufe  I 
^'  had  put  my  Heart  into  the  Hands  of  the  faithful 
^<-  JESUS,  and  He  it  is  that  hath  not  fufFered  me 
^^  to  go  on  unconcerrjed  about  the  Diiiremper  of  my 
^"  Soul,  but  hath  awakened  me  to  feek  Relief  at  His 
'^  Hands,  as  I  do  this  Day. —  And  now  Lour,  I 
^^  come  to  Him.  He  fees  how  I  am  labouring  and 
'^  heavy  laden,  but  He  has  bid  me  come.  Does  He 
''  not  call  for  my  Heart}  But  what  kind  o^ Heart  > 
'^  It  is  not  mcntion'd  •  but  I  am  fure  it  is  n:y  Hcar^ 
'"  that  is  called  for.  Hence  tho'  my  Heart  be  ^ 
^^  proud  Heart, ytt  as  long  as  'tis  mine,  I  an  to  bring 
^*"  it.  And,  O  Lord,  I  bring  it  becattfe  it  h  proud, 
^'  But  vVherefore  doth  He  call  for  it  ?  Is  it  not  thac 
^<^  He  may  fet  up  His  Kimrdom  in  it,  fill  it  with 
^^  His  Graces,  *  and  manifefl  the  power  of  His  rich 
'^  Goodness  in  it  forever  >  Then  let  Him  take  my 
*^  Heart  and  make  k  MmMe  !    It  is  eafy  with  Him 

''  t© 


i^  The  Life  cf 

^'  to  Jo  It.  Tho'  T  cannot  overcome  <his  ^rlJe^M^, 
^^  can  :  Oh^  Let  Him  do  it,  I  wait  upon  Him  for 
^^  it  ;  I  believe  and  am  iatisfied  that  He  will  do  it  ; 
^'  I  have  }}ot  fought  T HT  Facein'uain.  " 

.  These  FalTa^es,  v^'ere  wrote  prefently  after  Mr- 
Mather  \  as  letled  in  the  Miniflry,,  and  therefore? 
I  bring  them  in  here.  ThtSeEUen  is  indeed  long  ;  but^ 
as  1  blefs  Kiov,  it  has  been  very  profitable  to  Me,  I 
hope  it  will  be  acceptable  to  thep/c?//i  Readers^  efpe- 
daily  of  the  f acred  Order c 

S.  I  forgot  to  inform  my  Reader,  That^  Mr.  Mat 
THER  before  He  was  Setled^  kept  many  Days  of 
Taftinf:  and  Grayer  in  order  to  it.  And  in  one  of 
thofe  Days,  having  declared  unto  God,  That  not 
expelling  any  temfoml.  Advantage ,  but  rather  Sor- 
rcw  and  Skhjefs,  Obhiquy  and  many  ^erfecutionSy 
he  would  put  of  Love  to  Him,  undertake  the  Work 
before  Him,  fied  a  precious  and  numerous  Flock  of 
His  :     He  then  promiled  thefe  Things  to  his  Loe.  d  ; 

That  He  would  endeavour  to  ,be  ?i faithful  ^af- 
tor   unto  thofe  over  whom  he  Ihould  be  placed. 

That  He  would  endeavour  to  be  huml?le  und^r 
\vhatever  Enlargeinems  fliould  be  voiichfafcd  unto 
him.  ,        .     ^     ,    . 

That  if  God  iliould  give  him  to  build  vp  His 
Church  with  an  unfpotted  Refutation,  he  would 
endeavor  to  be  contented  v*ith  whatever  State  fhould 
te  ordered  for  him  in  the  World,  tho^  neVer  fo  ^oor 
and  many  other  ways  afilided. 

ID.  He  was  conflant  and  unwearied  in  his  public 
Jilinijlryy  when,  he  v.as  entrcd  into  it.—-  Sometimes 
he  has  preached  a  Sermon  ibr  ekven2Jays  fucceffively. 
I  need  not  at  large  vvrite  the  Subje6is  of  his  2)ifccw- 
fesy  his  Method  oi'  Sn^dyii'/;  5c  breaching,  iince  he 
has  given  io  true  a  Dcfcription  of  them  in  his  Manu- 
ducfio  fid  liliulfmwih  Page  pc^to  «;§  ^  102^  to  105^ 


Dr.  Cor^CN  Mat!kx.r: 

V.  II.  Bui*  however  I  will  give  my  ReaRder  his  RaUi 
of 'Preaching,  fince  they  are  Ihort^  lince  they  wert 
jho't  upon  when  he  ^^'a5  Young,  others  may  be  th^ 
better  tor  them,  a»d  fmce  this  Book  may  Qo.me  into 
tjieir.  Hands  who  have  not  feen  the  Dodor's  Mam- 
du^io.  - .  ,     ,  V  '       »  .  ■  .? 

;  Firfty  WiiEM  he  was  at  a  lofs  for  a  Text;  hff  woulcj 
make  a  Prayer  to  the  Holy  Sfirxt  of  CnRi!|T  foip 
His,  Direction  and  AlMance^  as  well  to  find  a  Text: 
for  him _,  zsx,o  handle  it.    -  ,     •' 

Secondly,  Before  he  would  undertake  to  go  over 
any  larger  'Portian.  or  T>oBrine  of  the  "Bible,  which 
might  require  many-Sermons^  he  would  with  morp 
Solemn  .Supplications  addrefs  Heaven  for  neceffar/i 
Succours.       , ;     A.     -  '  '* 

T'hirdly^  He  would  weigh  well  the  Original 
1*ongues,.  as  well  as  the  ufual  and  needful  Commenta-^ 
ties,  for  a  Scripture  before  he  would  preach  upon  it.   .^ 

Fourthly 9  In  pitching  on  Sub)e6ls  to  be  aifcourfect 
in  his  public  Miniftry^  ^fpepally  more  occafional  ones^ 
(for  which  he  would  referve  hlmfelf  a  Liberty  in  vyhac 
Courfe  foever  he  wa^ )  He  wojuld  ever,  have  fom^ 
U^efign  of  fuiting  and  ferving  the  Edification  of  thd 
Hearers ;  —  ever  —  preach  upon  'Defign.   ■ 

Fifthly y  He  would  n^tftand  long  upon  one  Text 
ordinarily,  but  ftudy  an  acceptscble  P'ariety :  Nor 
would  he  ufe  one  way.  of  treating  every  T'^xr^  but  bs 
various  in  his.  Methods. 

Sixthly,  He-  would  be  Scriptural  in  all  his  E^^QXr 
^ifes  ;  and  ordinarily  difinifs  no  Head,  without  fomdi 
place  o(  Scripture  wtU  adjulled  to  it. 

Seventhly,  He  would  aKv^ys  endeavour  to  fill  his 
HiUr  rjcell  (  and  he  did  lb  )  and  croud  every  Sermon 
as  full  of  Matter,  as  poifibk  v/ithout  Ohfcurity.  . 
.   Eighthly^  Im  uttering  his  Sermc'hs  he  was  not  for 
i^eginning  too  f aft  or  too.  loud,  ^  ri.    -■  j    -.       -: 

^,  Ninth ly^\l{^  ^[^_  not,  rh^kt  Hs  Sentences  ox  Periods 
t,oo  ext^ndpd  foi.ihtJJ f J tery<:^  to^  tal^e  them  readily j 
%  for  the  liedrm  fiadiiy  itid  eafily  to  have  the  fencd 

P  tmhly. 


54  '^^^^  I^^fi  ^f 

I'enthly,  Before  he  preach 'd  any  Sermon  he  wa? 
dellrous  in  a  de-jcut  Meditation  to  work  every  Head 
of  it  upon  his  Heart ,  until  he  turned  it  into  a  proper 
Supplication. 

Eleventhly 3  He  would  have  and  ufe  Notes  in 
Preaching  ;  bat  yet  would  not  fo  read  his  Notes,  as 
in  the  leail:  to  take  off  the  Vivacity  of  his  £ye,  his 
Voice,  his  whole  A^ion. 

Thxelfthly,  He  would  have  much  of  Christ  in 
his  Miniftry  ;  (  ChPvIst  who  is  All\  )  As  knowing, 
that  the  Holy  Spirit  loves  to  glorify  Christ  ;  and 
if  he  did  fo  too^  he  fhould  have  much  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  with  him  in  his  Miniflry. 

Ttineenthly,  K^-d  he  was  refolved  to  have  great 
Care  in  his  Miniftry^  left  at  all  he  fhould  confound 
the  Methods  cfGRACE\  upon  a  due  ^SV jr;;;^  and 
O-ixning  of  which  the  Succefs  of  the  Miniliry  does  ex- 
ceedingly depend. 

Fourteenthly ,  He  ordinarily  would  conclude  his 
Sermons  with  fome  agreeable  Text  of  Scripture^  left 
with  Life  and  Pungency  to  the  Gonfideration  of  the 
Hearers  j  He  tko't  the  Practice  edifying. 

12.  In  thisSeilion  I  fhall  produce  feveral  7)efigm 
if  Chrifiianity ,  which  he  formed  after  his  Inveftiture 
in  the  Sacred  Calling. 

Firfty  The  Apoille's  Advice  to  a  YoungMinifter;, 
Exercife  thy  f elf  to  Godlinefs;  he  would  think  much 
upon  It,  read  over  fome  Difcourfes  on  the  Sub;e(^:,  and 
as  he  went  along^,  employ  his  particular  Ejaculations 
upon  every  Article. 

Secondly, WK\i\iG  met  with  en  Obfervation,  That 
the  ivant  of  Alortification  in  aAlin[(ler,  procures  a  fad 
Unfuccefifidnefs  to  his  Miniflry ;  and  that  he  might 
hot  be  a  deplorable  Inftance  of  it;,  he  refolved  imme- 
diate iy  to  read  over  Dr  .OwEN'sTreatifc  cf  Mortif ca- 
tion, (  with  others  on  the  fame  Sub'eci:  J  and  endea- 
vour to  follov.and  apply  the  Direc^tions  in  it. 

Il.irdly,  He  took  a  Catalogue  of  all  the  Comtnu- 
mca>j:s  belonging  to  his  Church  ;  p.nd  in  his  Secret 
'Frayr:-^  he  re  Halved  tb^t  he  would  go  over  the  Car.i- 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather:  ^j 

logue  by  Parcels  at  a  Time  upon  hi$  Knees  and  Pray 
for  the  mo1^  fuitabk  Bleliings^  he  could  think  of,  to 
be  beftowed  upon  each  Perfon  by  Name  dilUndly 
mentioned. 

Fourthly y  In  perufing  hisSermons  before  he  Preach- 
ed them^  he  refolved  to  make  even  that  an  Exercife 
of  Devotion  by  endeavouring  to  fetch  an  agreeable 
JEjaculation  out  of  every  Head  and  every  Ttx^  pro- 
duced in  them. 

Fifthly y  He  had  one  Defign  which  I  will  exprefs 
in  his  own  Words  ; 

^  It  will  coil  me  vcrv  bitter  Toyls  and  Pains  \  yet 
^  perhaps  I  may  be  ferviceable  in  it:  If  I  procure  to 
^  my  feif  an  exa6t  Account  of  thole  evil  Humours ^  of 
'  which  the  place  were  I  live  at  any  time  is  under 
'  the  obfervable  Dominion  ;  and  whereas  tholb 
^  Devils  may  be  cafl:  out  by  Fafting  and  'Prayer  fee 
*^  apart  a  Day  flill  of  fecret  Grayer  with  Fafting  for 
'  each  of  them;  to  deprecate  my  own  Guiltinefs  in- 
^  themj  and  fupplicate  for  luch  liffulions  of  the 
^  Spirit  from  on  high^  as  may  redrels^  remove  and 
*  banifh  fuch  Diltempers  from  the  place. 

13.  But  he  did  not  think  theie  Things  fufficient. 
He  tho't  it  his  Duty  to  vijit  the  Families  belonging 
to  his  Church;;  taking  one,  and  ^omtiimt^  two  After - 
noons  in  a  Week  for  that  Purpofe. 

He  Pent  before-hand  to  the  Families ,  that  he  in- 
tended at  fuch  a  time  to  vifit  them  :  And  when  he 
came,  with  as  pungent  and  handfome  Addreires,  as 
poilible,  he  would  treat  every  Perfon  particularly 
about  their  Eternal  Intercils. 

Firfty  He  difcourfed  wdth  the  Elder  People  upon 
fuch  Points  as  he  tho't  moll  proper  for  them. 

And  efpecially  charged  them  to  maintain  Family 
Grayer ,  obtained  their  Promifes  for  it  if  they  had 
hcgiedled  it,  and  frayed  ivith  them  that  he  mighc 
Ihow  them  how  to  pray^  as  Vv'ell  as  to  obtain  their 
purpofes  for  it. 

He  likewife  prefTed  upon  them  the  Care  of  inllruc^- 
ing  their  Children  and  Servants  in  the  Holy  Religion 
we  profefsj  and  bringing  them  up  for  CHRIST. 

D  *  If 


j^  "fhe  Lljc  of 

If  any  that  he  ftiould  have  fpbke  with ^  were  abfent, 
he  frequently  left  a  Solemn  ^6-.N'r  or  two  of  th'^  Sacred 
ScripturCj  which  he  tho't  mofl  agrcable  for  thcin ;  de- 
firing  fome  prefent  would  remember  him  to  them, 
and  from  him  recommend  unto  them  that  Oracle 
Of  GOD. 

And  by  the  way  at  his  Fareivcl  to  his  Chriftiaii 
Friends  and  as  a  Conclufion  of  his  Viiit,  he  would 
contrive  to  commend  unto  them,  fome  fuitable 
fZex^  of  Serif  tare  of  which  they  might  think  when 
he  was  gone  from.  them. 

But  I  return  ;  He  having  done"  with  the  Parent^, 
then  called  for  the  Children  and  Servants-,  and  put- 
ting to  them  fuch  ^uejfions  of  the  Cutcchiftn  as  he 
tho't  fit,  he  would  from  the  A^ifjcers  make  as  lively 
Applications  to  them,  as  could  be,  for  engagir/^  theif^ 
to  the  Fear  of  GOD. 

He  frequently  got  ^rornifes  from  them  relating  to 
Secret  ^Frciyer,  Reading  the  Serif  iiires  c\  Obedience 
to  their  '^Parents  and  Mafters, 

He  would  often  fet  before  them  the  'Propofals  of 
the  KeivCovenant^2k^x  he  had  firft  laboured  for  their 
Conviction  and  Awakening  :  So  they  have  full  of 
Tears  expreffly  declared  their  Confenting  to,  and  Ac-^ 
cepting  of,  the  ^^rcpofals  of  the  Covenant  of  Grace ;, 
which  he  diftin(flly  fet  before  them. 

Some  of  the  kjfer  Folks)  he  would  order  to  bring 
their  bibles  to  him,  and  read  unto  him  from  thence 
three  or  four  Vcrles,  to  v^^hich  he  turned  them  :  H'c 
would  charm  them  to  think  on  fuch  Things,  as  lie 
thence  obferved  for  their  Admonition,  and  never  for- 
get thok  faithful  faj}'ings  of  GOD. 

He  would  fometimes  leave  fome  awful  ^teefiions 
with  them,  which,  he  told  them,  they  ihouM  not 
Aijfwer  to  him,  but  to  themfslves ;  As,  What  have  I 
keen  doing  ever  fince  I  came  into  the  World  about  the 
i(r€^t  Errand  upon  ivlich  GO*D  J'ent  ine  into  the 
World}  And  If  GO 2)  jJwuld  now  call  fie  out  of  the 
Worlds  IV hat  ivould  become  oftr.e  throughout  Eternal 
^zes  ?  And  Have  I  ever  yet  b\  Faith  carried  a per- 
■(IbhgSoul  unto  the  L0R2)  7ESUS  for  both 
k  i^sju'sc  ufnefs  and  Salvgticn.  Ma  n  x 


Di\  Cotton  Mather.'  iy 

J,fANY  Other  fuch  Methods  he  took  for  the  ^>/-. 
m;tg  of  Souls  in  this  Difchargc  of  his  Miiiiflry  :  An(J 
he  enjoy'd  a  rnoft  wonderful  Prcfencc  of  God  with 
him  in  th^^  undertaking  ;  znd  feldom  left  a  Family 
without  Tears  dropt  by  fevcral  in  it. 

He  could  feldom  difp-uch  more  that)  four  or  five 
Ffimilies  in  an  A'fteriioon;,  and  look'd  on  this  Work  as 
laborious  as  any  in  all  his  Miniftry.  He  fat  a  great 
A^alue  uDon  his  'Paftcral  Vifys  ;  he  not  only  did,  but 
got  Good  in  his  Converfation  >vith  all  forts  of  PerfonSj, 
and  tho'^t  he  neyer  ^jcalk'd  :>we  />  tkie  S^P  IRIT 
than  thus  ivalkin^  to  his  Flocic  to  ferve  and  fcek  their 
Left  Intereft.  I  need  not  fay  any  niore  about  his 
Vifits  ;  his  'Jlfemdrialjor  'P  aft  oral  Vlfits  is  publifhed/ 
which  will  give  you  fome  Account  pf  his  Conduct  i« 
them,  ■■■ '  •  '••■■    ■  ''  •' 

14.  His  Love  to  his  Church  znd  CougregattoH  wa$ 
very  flaming.  To  Esercife  this  Love  —  he  wasj 
very  defirous  :  and  therefore  he  reiolved  to  take 
the  Sills,  that  are  put  ijp  in  our  Congregation,  for 
^Prayer  or  Pratfe,  and  prefent  the  particular  Cafes 
there  exhibited  before  the  LQRD  in  his  Study,  where 
hp  did  more  particularly  implor^  the  Gra? e  of  GOD 
for  each  of  them  than  he  did  or  could  in  "the  Pubiick. ' 

And  in  purfuance  of  this  Intention,  (that  is  the 
Exercife  of  Love  )  he  would  ask  himfelf  before  hi? 
EverAng'Prayer;^  Who  hath  in  the  foregoing  Qay 
fliown  me  any  iCuidr^cfs  I  And  he  would  then  "par- 
ticular] y  I^jpplicate  theGoD  of  Heaven  that  he  would 
\t^xQ:^  Spiritual  and  Fjcrnal  Favours  on  each  of  theiT) 
that  had  particularly  obliged  him,  "  '•' 

1 5.  He  would  nevef  let  any  of  his  Flock  (  or  iri- 
deed  any  other  )  fairly  come  in  his  way,- but  he  wouiq 
let  fall  fomp  U^ord  or  other,  that   he  defign'd  and 

^cp'c|  might  prove  fervic^able  fome  way  to  thpVi, 

x€.  Hi:  was  continually  fcaUermg  2^^9h  qfPk-:;^ 
^n;^  their  Hands j  and  often  ^]jd  it  with  this  Advice^ 

'S^eiTJcribsr  'I m  fpeakinir'  to/ y^^^^^^  ^vhik  vou 


^%  '^he  Life  of 

have  this  Sook  before  you  I  And  fo  there  was  not  a 
Pay  in  the  Year  in  which  he  was  not  preaching  tQ 
many  of  them.  It  is  fcarce  imaginable  how  many 
good  Books  he  difpofed  of:  He  has  given  away  above 
a  Tboufand  in  a  rear. 

17.  iTwas  a  Rule  with  him  (  and  hebcg^dofGoD 
to  give  him  this  Gocdnefs^  '■Tatieme  bi.  Condefcention  ) 
rather  to  fwiFer  and  bgry  in  lilence  any  manner  of  In- 
juries &  Abufes  from  Ahfurd  People 3  than  to  manage 
any  Contention  with  any  of  them"  on  any  Occafion. 
Let  the  Matter  and  Iffiie  of  the  Controverfy  be  what 
it  will,  he  tho't  he  (Kould  gain  more  in  regard  of  his 
greateft  Intercft  by  re7nitting  his  Right,  than  vigo- 
yoully  ptrfuing  it. 

Ant*  in  the  Services  of  Chriflianity,  If  he  made 
any  DifFerence  between  thofe  that  ahtifed  him,  and 
thofe  that  valued  him  ;  it  was  in  being  more  ready  to 
ferve  the  former  than  the  latter. 

And  it  was  admirable  to  fee  how  this  Conduct 
would  conquer  the  Follies  &  Humors  of  unreafonahle 
(People. 

18.  He  was  ever  defirous  of  entertaining  an  high 
Opinion  of  the  pcrfoftal  Worth,  Wifdom,  Goodnefs 
and  Accomplilhments  of  many  in  the  Flock,  and  the 
unfpeakablc  Worth  of  the  Sou h  of  all  of  them,  and  by 
this  Opinion  to  be  quickned  in  his  Studies  for  his 
Sermons,  that  they  might  be  as  ahle^  and  yet  as  ufe- 
ful  Compofures  as  he  could  render  them  :^  And  in- 
deed they  never  had  caufe  to  comolain  of  his  Difcour- 
fes  as  jejune  and  unftudied. 

T  9,  He  endeavoured  with  explicit  Confiderations 
that  all  t\it  temporal  Benefits  heenjoyM  by  thtSalary 
which  his  People  allow'd  him,  might  be  anf'ixered 
and  vaflly  exceeded  in  the  Spiritual  Senents  of  which 
his  Vlmiftry  might  make  them  the  Partakers.  ^  Their 
Salary  fed  him  :  he  would  therefore  prepare  rich  anJ 
heavenly  and  Angels  Food  for  their  Minds.  It  clothe) 

him ; 


Dr.  CoTfON  Mather 


^.. 


him ;  be  would  therefore  do  his  bell  in  fiiowmg  them 
\io^  to  put  071  Christ^  how  to  defend  and  adorn 
themfelves  with  the  Garments  of  Salvation.  It  iiarm- 
ed  him ;  and  therefore  he  would  endeavour  to  fpeak 
things  unto  them^  that  fliould  make  their  Heart's 
burfi  ijcltbin  them  and  keep  alivp  the  Flame  cj  Tiety 
among  them. 

20.  I  mentioned  a  little  while  ago  his  concern  foK 
his  Churchy  in  his  Trayers  —  I  muft  add  this  on^ 
Infiance  of  his  Love  to  them ;  That  he  would  evci; 
now  and  then  fet  apart  an  ivhcle  ^Day,  to  fupplicatc 
the  Favor  of  Heaven  for  them  with  ftrid  Fafti/tg, 
And  on  each  fuch  Fafty  altho'  near  Four  Hundred  be- 
longed unto  his  Church,  he  would  pray  for  each  ©f 
them  by  Name  and  befeech  the  raoft  fuitahk  Bliclfrngs 
for  them. 

21.  A  Lord  Chancellor  o£  England ^  who  was  alfo 
Arch-Bifhop  of  Tork  faid  in  his  latter  days^  ^  That: 
^  in.  his  Time  he  had  palFed  thro'  more  Pofts  of  Office 
^  and  Honour  than  moil  Men  in  the  World ;  but  if 
^  he  were  fure  that  any  one  Soul  had  been  by  his 
f  Means  converted  unto  God  and  Christ  <?C  Holi- 
*■  nefs,  it  would  give  him  unlpcakable  more  Satisfac-r 
'  tion  than  all  the  Dignities  that  had  been  confer'd 
^  upon  him.  "'  How  happy  then  was  Dr.  Mather, 
and  how  ailonilhing  his  Satisfa«flion  !  For,  as  he  had 
not  been  a  Year  a  Minjfter  before  he  had  thirty  Seah 
of  his  Mlniftrys  h.  e.  thirty  who  declared  unto  the 
Church  He  wzs  the  Caufe  under  God  of  their  ^wake- 
fling  and  Converfion ;  Many,  Many,  (  God  knov.'s 
how  many  )  have  been  by  his  AddreiTes  to  them  eiihei: 
by  Totigue  or  ^cn  [incc  bro't  home  to  God.  -- 
Many  excellcntPerfons  on  theirDcath-Beds  have  often 
looken  unto  him  of  what  God  had  by  his  Miniflry 
cone  to  them  :  He  has  often  fecn  them  with  Rapture 
triumphing  over  the  Sting  and  Fear  of  Death,  ov.ning 
him  as  the  Inflrumental  Saviour  of  their  Souls  from 
tDeath  yConkiRn^  their  Love  to  him  ^c  alluring  hi;n  c^' 
|l^e  JJondri^uj.GlQrj^v^a.\tmg{oT  him  .^s.well  as  ti^crii. 
y     '  " D  4*        "'   "  '     '         -'-    ^ 


4»  ^he  Life  of 

22.  I  know  not  how  to  leave  this  Seftion  without 
infcrting  the  Words  I  met  with  in  the  private  Papers 
of  his  pious  Mother,  which  fhe  wrote  on  4  ^.  2  r^r, 
J  7 14.  {"  en  which  Day  Ihe  died. ; 

^  I  went  thro'  many  Deaths  in  hearing  Children:, 
»  but  thofe  'Deaths  ha^^e  proved  the  Spiritual  Life 
f  of  many  a  Soul.  God  particularly  (o  blefled  my 
^  Elder  Son;-  that  I  have  often  hlelfed  the  LORD, 
^  that  made  me  the  MofJoer  of  fucb  an  eminent  Ser- 
i  vant  of  GOD. 


Sect.  2.     His  heing  concerned  in  Affairs  abftraBed 
from  the  Miniflry  ;    in  hiJlru6iion  of  Scholars y  in 
fublit  Affairs  of  Government ^  ^c.  ivitk  Accounts 
of  his  eatenjive  ferviceablcnefs.    .  .  • 


T.  T  T  may  as  well  be  bro't  in,  in  this  Place  as  'any, 
I  That  from  «S*6"z;e;;r^^« Years  old  he  hiad  for  rfidre 
2:han  Seven  Te/irs  together  the  Charge  of  Scholars, 
and  fome  under  his  Tuition  older  than  himfelf.  Thefe 
hh 'Pupils  he  carried  thro'  the  Parts  oi'' Academic 
Learning  ;  and  by  inftruc^ing  f/7^w?  confirmed  himfelf 
in  many  Points  of  Literature.  The  Methods  how  he 
taught  them  the  Hebrew  Tongue  i  Plow  he* '  heard 
their  daily  Recitation  from  the  Originals  of  both 
Teilaments;  ho\V  he  compofcd  Catechifms  of  the 
Several  Arts  for  them  ;  how  he  directed  their  Decla- 
mations and  Difpites  —  might  be  related  for  fomc- 
what  of  Curiofity  in  them.  JBut  I  will  hint  one  thing 
which  maybe  grateful  to  thofe  who  have  theEmpIdy- 
inent  of  Tutors.  'Tis  this ;  He  had  mahyContrivan- 
ces  triat  he  might  favethe  Souls  of  the  Toting  Men 
Vi\io  were  conimitted  to  his  Charge.  He  therefore, 
bc'iides  his  Cares  to  check  all  Ebullitions  of  Sin  in  any 
of  their  Converfations^  did  fuccelUvely  ufe  to  Irndl  for 
them  J  cne  by  one,  into  hisStudy,and  there  in  the  mofl 
moving,  foft,  obliging,  ^  yet  moft  folemn  &  lively 
manner  difcourfe  with  th«in  about  their  own  everlaft- 

ins 


WP^ 


pr.  Cotton  Mather-  a^ 

hg  Intercfls',  and  he  would  then  beflow  fotne  good 
Books  on  them  to  further  the  Work  of  God  and  ot* 
Grace  upon  their  Spirits:  And  moreover,  he  made  it 
his  Ci/flum,  that  in  every  Recitation  he  would,  from 
fomething  or  other  occuring  in  it^  make  an  Occaliori 
to  let  fall  iomc  Sentsfice^^  which  might  have^'tendeiacy 
to  promote  rhe  Fear  ofG  Ol)\n  their  Soul«,  which 
Pradice  did  fometimes  ca.ufe  him  to  exert  his  Wit. and 
Readincls  j  but  it  IqftT  a  good  ElFd(5t  upon  theYouths. 

Anp  at  length  Got)  gave  him  tp  fee  the  Haryeft 
of  thefe  his  Labors ;  for  feveral  of  thefe  Young  Men 
have  proved  able' and  holy  Preachers,  and  ariiohg  the 
moft  hopeful  of  the  rifing  Generation.  Mr.  Mather. 
would  often'  fay.  He  would  give  all  he  was  worth  ia 
the  Wc:ld  for  thofe  Meafures  o^Qrijce  ^nd  fen.ce  whicH 
he/Ikw'in  fome  that  were  onge  his  Tu^tU. 

1.  I  am  here  to  mention  his  being  concern'd^  in 
State  Affairs  (  a  difficult  Section !  )  and  I  muft  affure 
my  Reader  that  I  am  more  at- a  lots  what  to  do  about 
it  tha?t  any  Qt}e  in;  the  whole  Bcjok  .;,  for  fhould  I 
oniit  the  Section  I  muft  be  a  faulty  Hiftorian^  to  leave 
out  what  is  fo  coniiderable;  and  iflfhould  ihfertit  at 
jehgth,  write  the  ///  Managements  of  others  and  the 
Warmth  with  which  the  T)oEior  ever  appeared  for 
Truth  apd  Honour  as  well  as  for  his  People  <5c  Coun- 
try •  I  fay,  fhould  I  record  thefe  Things  in  all  their 
Circumftances,  it  might  provoke  the  Anger  of  a  fcv/ 
Gentlemen  and  others.  Now  becaufe  it  is  my  defire 
that  this  Hiftory  may  be  very  unexceptionable,  I  fhall 
treat  of  one  or  two  Things  only,  and  write  of  thQ. 
K'?/?  in  fuch  a  General  Way  as  to  give  no  oxie  ^tiy 
Ofieiice.  .      '•      •       ' 

T  find  my  fclf  obliged  to  mention  one  or  two 
Affairs,  particularly  in.^likh  Mr.  Mather.'  was  con- 
ildered  and  diftinguilhed  hinnfclf.     ' 

Mr  Country  is  very  fenfibletha^  in  the  Year  \6%%] 
(  when  one  of  the  moft  wicked  ofKings  was  'on  the 

Britiifc 


4^  'fhe  Life  of 

Britilh  Throne  )  Andros  and  his  Crew  were  very 
violent;,  illegal  and  arbitary  in  their  Proceedings  :  I 
need  not  give  any  Narrative  of  their  Managements 
here,  becaufe  there  has  been  an  Account  of  thcin  al- 
ready given  to  the  World. 

While  thefe  Roaring  Lions  and  Ranging  !Bcars 
were  in  the  midil  of  their  Ravages ;  It  was  in  the 
Month  o^  April  v^htn  we  had  News  by  the  Edges 
concerning  a  Defcent  made  upon  England  by  the 
Prince  of  Orange  for  the  Refcuc^of  the  Nations  from 
Slavery  and  Popery ;  —  Then  a  Strange  Difpofition 
cntred  in  theBody  of  pur  People  to  allert  omLibertie^ 
againft  the  Arbitrary  Rulers  that  were  fleecing  them  : 
But  it  was  much  feared  by  the  more  fenfjbleGentlemea 
at  Sojlon,  that  an  unruly  Company  of  Soldiers,  who 
had  newly  deferted  the  Service  in  w^hich  they  had  bin 
employed  for  the  Eaftern  War,  by  the  gathering  of 
their  Friends  to  them  to  protect  them  firom  the  Go- 
vernor^ who>  they  tho't,  intended  nothing  butRuine 
to  them,  would  make  a  great  Stir  ^  produce  a  bloody 
Revolution, 

An©  therefore  the  principal  Gentlemen  in  Softon 
met  with  Mr.  Mathes.  to  confult  what  was  belt  to 
be  done ;  and  they  all  agreed,  if  poffible,  that  they 
"would  extinguifh  all  Effays  in  our  People  to  an  //;- 
fur  region  ;  but  that  if  the  Country  People  to  the 
Northward  by  any  violent  Motions  puih'd  on  the 
Matter  fo  far  as  to  make  a  Revoliition  unavoidable. 
Then  to  prevent  the  Shedding  of  !Blood  by  an  ungo- 
verned  Multitude,  fome  of  the  Gentlemen  prefent 
Would  appear  in  the  Head  of  what  Adion  fhould  be 
done/\and  a  declaration  was  prepared  accordingly. 

On  April  1 8.  thePeople  were  fo  driving  &  furious, 
that'  unheaded  they  began  to  feize  our  public  Op-? 
preflbrs ;  upon  which  the  Gentlemen  aforefaid  found 
it  neceffary  to  appear,  that  by  their  Authority  among 
,tlie  People  the  unhappy  Tumults  might  be  a  little 

tcffuUted.    AA<i  tlw'  th^  Goodnefs  oif  ,<3qp,  altho' 

".*.;7"-"    -  — --^  -■■ -'—        ^^ 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.  4^ 

the  whole  Country  were  now  in  a  moil  prodigious 
J^^erment  and  Thoufands  of  exafperated  People  inArms 
were  come  into  Scflon,  yet  there  was  no  manner  of 
Outrage  committed  ;  only  the  public  Robbers  that 
had  lorded  it  over  Us  were  confined.  ^Twas  then 
Mr.  Mather  appeared  —  He  was  the  Inflrument  of 
preventing  the  Excelles  into  which  the  Wrath  of  Matt 
is  too  ready  to  run ;  He  came  and  like  a  Nestor  or 
Ulisses  reafoned  down  the  PaiHons  of  the  Populace:  , 
had  he  lifped  a  Syllable  for  it^,  perhaps  the  People  ' 
would  by  a  fudden  Council  of  War  have  try'd^,  judg'd 
and  hang'd  thole  ill  Men,  who  would  have  treated 
him  otherwife.  Neverthelefs  he  fet  himfelf  both  pub- 
Uckly  3i  privately' to  hinder  the  Peoples  proceeding 
any  furcher  than  to  relerve  theCriminais  for  the  Juilice 
of  the  Englifi  Parliament. 

Now  the  Perfecution  which  was  intended  for  Mr, 
Mather  was  diverted  j  for  on  that  very  Day  that  he 
was  to  be  committed  to  half  a  Tears  Imprifonmeftts> 
thofe  that  would  have  ivrong'd  him  were  jufily 
taken  into  Cuflody :  And  yet  fo  generous  was  he  as 
hot  only  to  expofe  his  iJame  but  even  his  Life  unto 
the  Rage  of  the  Multitude  for  the  faving  of  fome  that 
would  have  hurt  him  :  Tho*  he  had  no  Thanks  for 
his  Ingenuity. 

The  Spirit  which  aded  him  in  thefe  Matters  is 
expreifed  in  a  Sermon  he  preachM  to  the  Convention 
of  the  Colony  from  z  Chron.XV.  2.  It  was  printed 
under  the  Title  of,  "the  Way  to  ^rofperity. 

A  few  Days  before  this,  the  Inhabitants  of  Soflon 
aflembling  together  to  chufe  Reprefentatlves  for  that 
Convention  &  vote  Inftru6iions  for  them^it  was  apfwrc- 
hendcd,that  the  different  Perfuafions  of  the  People  a- 
bout  the  nest  Steps  to  be  taken  for  ourSettlement  woul<} ', 
have  produced  a  Fury  near  toSloodped  ;3,nd  therefore^ 
Mr.  Mather  was  defired  to  be  at  thelrMecting.  The 
Meeting  began  with  dangerous  and  horrible  Paroxyfos^ 
which  when  he  faw,  he  upon  it  made  an.  afFedionate 
aiad  moving  Speech  to  them^  at  which  many  fell  into 
~  —  Tear^L^ 


41  ^'  ^he  Life  of 

Tears  and  the  whole  Body  of  the  People  prefent  im- 
mediately united  in  the  Methods  of    'Peace    Mrl' 
Mather  propofed  unto  them. 

Upon',  Difcoiirfing  with  him_  of  thefe  Affairs  he 
has  told  me,  that  he  always  prelied  ^JPeace  and  Love 
and  Submijfion  unto  a  legal  Government,  tho'  he 
fuffercdfrom  fome  tumultuousPeople^by  doing  fo  ;?and 
upon  the  whole,  has  afferted  unto  me  his  lunocency 
and  Freedom  from  all  hto-ivn  Iniquity  in  that  Time, 
but  declared  his  Refolution,  from  the  View  he  had 
of  the  fickle  Humors  of  the  Populace  that  he  would 
chi^fe  to  be  concerned  with  them  as  little  as  polfible^ 
for  the  future.  And  fo  I  difm.ifs  this  Head  of  the  Re- 
volution. 

« 
3.  My  Country  is  alfo  acquainted  with  the  Confu- 
fions  whicfi  they  futtered '  by  the   WitcJscrafts,  m  it. 
I  fiiall  here  fay  a  little  of  that  Time  of  Temptation ; 
and  v/rite  Mr.  Mather^s  Sentiments  dc  Actions. 

The  Summer  of  the  Year  1^92.*  was  a  very  dole- 
ful  Time  unto  the  whole  Country,  -—  The  Devils 
iftcr  a  mofl  prasternatural  Mariner  hy  the  dreadful 
Judgments  of  Heaven  took  a  "Bodily  ^ojjejpon  of 
many  People  in  our  *SV?/ew,and Places  adjacent  j  where 
the  Houfefs  of  the  poor  People  began  to  be  filled  with 
the  Cric^  of  Perfons  tormented  by  Evil  Spirits.  Therd 
ieeiu'd  to  be  an  execrable  TVitchcraft  in  the  Founda- 
tion «f  this  Wondrous  Afflid:ion  ;  many  Perfons  of 
diverfe  CharaAers  being  accufed,  apprehended^  pro- 
fccuted  upon  ihq  Vifiom  of  the  Aff|ic^9,d. 
J  ^^?  '•       ■  ,    ';■  "■•■;■■  '     '      ''  '' 

Mr.  Mather^  for  his  Part,  was  always  affraid  of 
proceding  to  convift  and  condemn  any  Perfon  as  a 
Confederate  with"  afflifting  ^demoik  upon  fo  feeble  ati 
Evidence  as  a  SpeElral  Rcprefentation,  Accordingly 
he  ever  tcflified  againft  it  both  ^uhUchy  6c  privately ^ 
and  particularly^  in  his  Zemr  to  the  ^udgeSs  ^c  b^^ 
fought  them  that  they  wolild  by  no  means  admit  \%i 
aiid'w.henacgnfiderable  Jff:mHy  ofMsnifi^rs  gave 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.^  4,5 

in  their  Advice  about  that  Matter,  he  not  only  cpn- 
tur'd  with  the  Advice  but  He  drew  it  up. 

Nevertheless,  on  the  other  fide,  hh  faW  in  moft 
of  the  y«^^c5  a  charming  In  fiance  of  ^rwJc/^ce  and 
^J^  a  tie  nee ;  and  as  he  knew  their  exemplary  ^ietyy  fo 
lie  obferved  th<^ Agony  ofSoul  with  which  they  fought 
ihe  Direction  of  Heaven,  above  mofl  other  of  our 
People  who  were  enchanted  into  a  raging,  railing  and 
lihrLafonable  Difpofltion.  For  this  Caufe,  tho'  Mr, 
M.trnER  cduid  not  allow  the 'Pnnciftcs^omc  of  the 
Judges  hjid  efpouicd,  he  could  not  however  but  fpcak 
honoiirably  of  their  ^P^^y^^j  on  all  Occafions;  and  his 
CompaJJion  upon  the  fight  of  their  TiifficultieSy  which 
Compapion  ^^as  raifed  by  his  Journeys  to  Sakm  tho, 
chief  Seat  of  thefe  Diabolical  Vexations,  caufed  hii'' 
itill  to  go  to  the  Place.  And  merely  for  this  Rcafoi^ 
fome  mad  People  in  the  Country  (  from  whom  one  a 
two  credulous  Foreigners  have  dared  to  publifhed  the 
abufive  Story  )  under  a  Fafcination  of  their  Spirits 
equal  to  what  omE/iergumens  had  upon  their  Bodies^ 
reviled  Mr.  Mather,  as  if  he  had  bin  theDoerofthe 
hard  Things  that  were  done  in  the  Profecution  of  the 
JVltchcraft. 

In  this  evil  Time  Mr.  Mather  offered  at  the  Be- 
ginoingthat  if  the  foffej/ed  'Peofk  might  be  fcattered 
far  afunder.  Re  would^lingly  provide  for  Sis  of  them ; 
and  he  w'ith  fome  others  would  fee  whether  without 
more  bitter  Methods,  "Prayer  vrith  Pajii fig yiould  not 
put  an  end  unto  thefe  heavy  Trials :  But  his  Offer 
was  not  accepted. 

However  for  a  great  Part  of  the  Summer  he  did 
almoft  every  JVeek  fpend  a  Day  by  Himfelf  in  the  Ex- 
crcifes  of  a  fecret  Fast  before  the  LORD.  On  the& 
Pays  He  cried  unto  God  not  only  for  his'  own  Pre- 
iervation  from  the  Malice  and  Power  of  the  Evil  An- 
gels, but  alfo  for  a  good  IJfue  of  the  Calamities  in 
which  he  had  permitted  the  Evil  Angels  to  enfnare 
the  miferable  Country.    He  alfo  bcfought  the  Lord 

that 


>^  "fhe  Life  of 

that  he  would  enable  him^  profper,  cHre^S:  and  accept 
him  in  publilliing  fuch  Tellimonies  for  Him  as  uere 
proper,  and  would  be  ferviceable  unto  His  Imerefls 
on  that  Occafion. 

And  that  a  right  Ufe  might  be  made  of  the  pro- 
digious Things  which  had  been  happening  among 
us,  he  now  compofed  ^  publifhed  his  Book  ehtituled^ 
^he  Wonders  of  the  invifibk  V/orld ;  which  was  re- 
printed feveral  Times  in  London  :  In  the  Preface  he 
fpeaks  of,  ^^  the  heart-breaking  Eaercifes.  "  He 
went  thro*  in  writing  it. —  There  was  a  certain  T)if- 
Ipehevcr  of  Witchcraft  who  wrote  againfl  this  Book  -, 
but  as  the  Man  is  dcad,hisBook  died  long  before  him. 

\  But  having  fpoken  eno'  of  the  more  puhlicHVitch" 
draft;  I  think  1  will  hale  in  here  an  Account  of  a 
Witchcraft  happening  m  one  private  Family  ztSofon 
tvyo  or  three  Years  before  tht  general  one. 

'TwAs,  I  think,  in  the  Year  i68p.  in  the  Winter^ 
that  feveral  Children  belonging  to  a  pious  Family  at 
the  South  End  of  So/ion  were  horribly  be'-jiitch'd 
and  poffefs'd. 

'Mr.  Mathepw  tho'tit  would  be  for  the  Glory  of 
God,  if  he  not  only  prayed  with  as  vpell  as  for  the 
tortured  Children  ,•  but  alfo  took  an  Account  of  the 
extraordinary  Symptoms  which  attended  them,  with 
fufRcient  Atteftations  to  confound  the  Sadducijm  and 
Atheifm  of  a  debauched  Age. 

He  therefore  did  thefe  Things;  and  that  He  might 
more  efFedually  do  them,  took  one  of  the  Sufferers 
to  his  own  Houfe.  With  a  thoufand  Grange  Pallagcs 
he  found  himfelf -entertain'd  ;  the  chief  of  which  ne 
afterwards  compiled  into  a  jufl  Hijldry  which  is  pub- 
lifhed  under  the  Title  of,  Memorable  Providences  re- 
lating to  Witchcrafts  and  ^offeffiotis.  The  Things 
referring  to  Himfelf  in  thefe  reapers,  he  reports  as  of 
a  third  Terfon  -,  and  with  the  btory  He  alfo  printed 


ibmc  Sermons  prcachM  on  that  Occafion.- —  Mr.  Bax- 
ter often  mentions  this  Book  in  his  Book  of  the 
World  of  Spirits ;  and  once  in  a  Lecture  at  dinner s-^ 
Hall  quoted  it>  with  an  Invitation  unto  People  to 
purchaie  it  ,•  unto  which  end  Mr.  Baxter  procured 
the  Reprinting  of  it  at  London  with  a  kind  Preface  of 
his  own  to  it.— ^  'Tbis  Book  alfo  has  been  flouted  ac 
and  written  againft  as  well  as  the  former  ,•  to  men- 
tion the  Author^'s  Names  would  be  to  fhow  them  too 
much  refpedt  -,  their  Writings  never  had  Credit  eno'. 
among  zny  Men  of  Senfe  to  dckivQ  an  Anfwen 

But  I  have  now  done  with  my  Account  of  the 
Wirchcrafty  and  Mr.  Ma  therms  Serviceablenefs  in 
the  'Tme  of  it. 

I  fhall  not  come  lo'wer  down^  and  fhow  what  a 
fhare  the  TfoEior  had  in  the  Management  of  Civil 
Affairs j^or  fear  of  writing  amifs.    But  Si  Chart cejik-' 

am  quod  bene  feceris  —  Mer cedent  tuleris, 

4.  But  however  I  may  obferve  that,  all  along, 
wherever  he  faw  our  (jo-y^T-^i^r J  and  Commanders  ta- 
king any  Heps  that  he  tho't  might  be  hurtful^  he 
would  freely  either  by  Word  of  Mouth  ox  Writing  tell 
them  his  Sentiments  y  and  whenever  he  was  apprehen- 
fivc  of  any  Step  that  might  be  for  our  'Benefit;, 
he  would  fpeak  his  T  ho'ts  to  our  Rulers,  and  give 
them  his  bell  Advice. 

5.  And  not  only  to  our  Rulers  here  ;  but  unto 
thofe  beyond  Sea^  who  were  concerned  for  our  Wel- 
fare, he  manifefted  the  fame  Freedom.  There  are  fcr 
veral  ^erfons  of  §)uaUty  ;  I  fuppofe,  now  living  that 
are  confcious  of  the  Doc^lor's  Fidelity  to  his  Country  ^ 
in  writing  on  their  behalf,  when  any  2)anger  threat- 
ned  them,  and  when  any  Profit  might  acrue  from  his 
Writing.—  But  here  too  I  am  obliged  to  refrainfrom 
Ibowing  the  Inilances. 

^  ^.  Then 


4^  ^he  Life  of 

,6.  There  will  be^no  hurt  in  relating  the  feverat 
Societies  he  was  related  unto. 

He  promoted  and  fet  on  foot  Societies  for  tbk 
StipfreJfwH  of  Dif orders  ^ud  for  dging  Good  ;  and  he 
belonged  to  them. 

In  the  Year  1 7 1 9..  He  projected  a  Society  of^eace- 
fnakers.y  ^  (  iiJke  what  we  read  qf  in  Courhnd  )  whofc 
Buiincfs.  it  was  to  compor^  and  prevent  r)iffcrencesj, 
and  divert  Law-fuits  that  might  ariic. 

He  was  one  of  the  CommilTioners  for  the  Ljdiau- 
Affairs,  whom  he  very  much  excited  and  fpirited  to 
the  pQJng  of  what  has  bin  done  here.  He  has  lome^ 
times  got  them  to  keep  a  illr/?e  of  Grayer  for  that 
poor  People  ;  he  preach'd  a  Sermon  unto  them, 
which  is  printed,  and  called  India  .Chrijli^na:^  and 
at  the  end  of  it  there  is  an  account  of  the  Propagation 
of  Religion  £S  well  in  the  Eaftem  as  the  V/eJlerM - 
Indies.  He  belonged  to  fome  other  Societies  in  this 
Country  which  it  is  necdlefs  to  write  of. 

*  7.  He  printed  a  Tropofalfor  an  EvangelicalT'rear 
fury  'y  the  Defign  of  which  was  to  advance  a  Fund 
for  bearing  the  txpence  o(  buildifig  Churches  in  dclli- 
tute  Places,  of  diilributing  Books  of  Piety,  of  rdiev-- 
ing  poor  Mmfters  die.  The  Dodlor's  Church  an^ 
fonie  others  came  into  it,  and  'tis  to  be  hop'd  that 
fo  good  a  Pradice  will  prevail  more  ^  more. 

S.  He  it  was  that  bro't  up  the  happy  Method 
of  Inoculation  of  the  Small  'Pox  among  us  ;  pof 
^twas  he  that  firft  drew  up  an  Account  of  this  Method 
fromTiMONius  and  Pilar  inus  out  of  the  Tran- 
fadions  of  the  Royal  Society,  and  recommended  it  to 
the  Phylicians  of  the  Town. 

9.  But  he  did  not  think  it  fufRcient  to  be  Mfeftii 
und  active  at  home  :  he  was  fgr  appearing  publickly;, 
and  to  the  European  World. 


Dr.  Cotton  Mathea*  4^ 

When  tbe  ^^r/^// Controverfy  was  warm^he  could 
not  refrain  writing  his  Amerkiin  Sentiments  upon  it. 

When  he  faw  the  ^roteftant  Intereft  run  low^  ha 
muft  publifh  his  Juft  Sentiments  of  the  Trotejlant  Re- 
ligion ;  and  obferving  the  curfed  ^erfecution  of  the 
Proteftants,  he  could  not  but  print  his  Sufpiria  Vine-* 
torum yCdXWng  all,  that  might  ferve  God  with  Freedom 
to  pray  for  the  opprefled  People  of  GOD. 

10.  T II Kr  h\s  Ufefulncfs  xrn^t  reach  beyond  hU 
Country,  he  learned  the  French  di  Spanip  Tongues^ 
and  in  his  Forty  fifth  Year  conquered  IroqUois  Indian; 
in  each  of  which  he  has  publilhed  Treatifes  for  theit 
Inftrudlion. 

II*  I  have  told  you  before  fomething  oih\%Charit}\ 
I  may  here  take  notice  that  he  did  not  look  upon  a 
Seventh  part  of  his  Intereft  as  eno'  to"  be  laid  out  in 
pons  ufes.  — -  I  need  not  tell  my  Reader  how  he 
procured  the  Benefadions  of  others  j  nor,  fince  an 
Account  of  it  is  printed,  need  I  acquaint  you,  how 
that  he  procured  feveral  Benefad-lons  for  the  pious 
Foundations  at  Hall  in  the  Lo-wer  San^onyy  for  which 
he  has  been  publickly  thanked. 

12.  The  Ambition  and  Chara^er  of  my  Father's 
Life  was  Serviceablenefs.  I  fhall  conclude  tnisSectioit 
and  Chapter  by  telling  you,  that  this  Quellion  What 
Good  fhall  I  do}  was  the  Subjed  of  bis  daily  Tho^rs, 
even  from  his  early  Youth  ;  and  befides  his  Cuftom  to 
fet  apart  now  and  then  a  time  to  devife  Good,  he  fel- 
dom  came  into  any  Company  without  explicit  Confi- 
deration  upon  it,  as  I  think  I  hinted  before.  It  would 
indeed  have  been  but  a  lofsof  time  in  him,  and  other- 
wife  ufelefs  to  record  Thoufands  of  deligns  to  do 
Good  which  he  contrived  in  his  Mind.  But  however 
he  had  a  Method  (  and  I  will  give  you^the  Recollec- 
tion* of  it  j  which  he  obferved  in  carrying  on  this 
manner  of  Life  and  'PurpoJing,znd  which  it  will  not 
be  amifs  for  the  World  to  knozv  fully  :    And  however 


50  The  Ltje  of 

there  may  be  fome />r/V^rr  Circumftances  in  what  I 
write^yet,  becaule  the  greafejl  'Part  have  fome  Re^ 
f(prence  to  ihe  public^I  tho't  it  would  be  moll  pro- 
per to  infert  his  Mcthpd  hcre^  and  to  fum  up  this 
Chapter  with  it       '',"',.    '  .  -^^ 

He  found  that  he  could  every  Mornhig  redeem  the 
Time,  while  he  was  dreffing  himfclf,  by  taking  his 
grand  Queftion  into  Confideration;,  What  Good  may 
j[Jo;  Accordingly  the  Week  was  divided  by  him  into 
as  many  Subjects  of  Confideratiou  as  there  be  ^ays  in 
f  he  Week ;  and  the  Reiult  of  his  Tho^ts  on  each  of 
them,  he  noted  down  as  foon  as  he  came  into  his 
Study  in  his  Book  oi  Hints  for  things  to  be  fpoke  or 
done  ;  but  with  fuch  very  brief  Hints  that  they  only 
Terved  to  preferve  in  his  own  Mind  the  Remembrance 
of  his  TurfofeSj  untill  he  fhould  have  Opportunity  to 
profecute  them. 

I  ftiall  now  recite  in  order  his  Morning  Queftions  : 
but  you  may  not  imagine  that  I  fhall  or  can  tranfcribe 
the  Multitudes  of  A?fhvers  to  each  Queflion  upon 
which  he  tho't.  However  to  illullrate  th^Manner  and 
^roccfs  o^  his  Operation  upon  it,  I  may  infert  a  few 
hrief  Hints  of  his ;  from  which  wc  may  form  an  Idea^ 
how  to  proceed  upon  fuch  a  Qucilion,  when  We  fball 
have  it  lying  before  us. 

His  §)mfion  for  tlia  SABSAT'H  Morning 
conitantly  was, 

■WHATjIjall  I  do  as  a  Paflor  of  a-  Church  j or 

the  Good  of  the  Flock  under  my  Charge  ? 

Herk  he  rank 'd  the  People  of  the  Flock  into 
fcveral  67^^^i,diftin(5tly  confidering,  what  they  were, 
and  what  was  to  be  done  for  them.  He  confidered 
what  Suhje5ls  w^ere  moft  fcafonable  and  agreable  to 
be  handled  in  his  Sermons  ;  what  v/ould  moll:  fuit, 
and  bell  ferve  each  of  the  Cla/fes.  He  confidered  how 
hi  mgkK  make  hi?  ^ rivers  ^^  well  ss  his  Sermons 

leave 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather,  5t 

leave  good  and  llrong  Imprellions  on  the  Auditory. 
He  entreated  the  Neighbours^  aliociated  for  Exercifes 
ofReligionto  fend  their  Advice,  what  Things  they 
might  want  or  wifh  to  hear  treated  on;,  and  he  accom- 
modated them.  He  conlidered  how  to  make  his  pu^T 
lick  jMhuffry  more  lively,  uleiul  and  acceptable.  He 
confidercdj  wjbo  were  to  be  frivarcly.  addrcfs'd  with 
his  VifitSy  and  on  what  Intentions.  He  Ci^nhdered 
how  he  might  vifit  tht  ScboGls  unto  the  bell  Advan- 
Mge J, particularly  Ibmc  Charity  SciJoolSy  which  he, pro- 
cured to  be  eredled.  He  confidered  how  he  might 
Ca/ry  on  Evangelical  Defigtls  in  concert  ^^ith  the 
^/'y:/?<^f<^^\irt  the  Neighbourhood;  whom  he  parti- 
cularly dQ,{[t^dy  that  they  would  let  him  know  the 
Neceifitics  of  the  Sick,  if  he  were  ignorant  of  them  ; 
and  unto  whom. he* communicated  rich  Notions  and 
Medicines  "^hkh  iahis  Reading  he  had  obferved. 
Many  more  fuch  Things  he  tho't  upon. 

.  Ar^THo'I  fpokc  fomething  before  of  it ;  yet  I  will 
here  again  take  particular  Notice  of  on^  Thing  a- 
mong  his  'Purpcfes .  and  TraBices,  beeaufe  it  belongs 
to  this  Head  ot  Conjldrrations, 

-  He  obliged  hlmfelf  unto  this  Method  in  Studying, 
a  Sermon  ;  on  every  'Paragraph  he  made  a  'Pnufii 
and  endeavoured  with  ^cknoivkd^ments  and  Ejjru-^ 
lations  to  Heaven,-  and  with  Self-E^aminatioyn  to  feel 
fome  holy  Imprellions  of  the  ^Truths  in  that  Para- 
graph on  his  own  Soul  before  he  went  any  further. 
By  means  of  this,  the  Sev^:n  Hours  which  he  ufuaHy* 
took  to  Pen  a  Sermon,  prov'd To  many  Hours  ofDe- 
vction  with  Him.  The  Day  in  v;hich  he  made  a  Ser- 
mon, left  jull  fuch  a  Flavor  on  his  Mind,  as  a  Day  of 
Grayer  us'd  to  do.  When  he  came  to  'Preach  a 
Sermon  fo  iludied,  he  could  do  it  with  more  Liberty 
and  Ajjurattce  ^    and  he  tho't    the  Truths  thus  pre- 

Eared  would  come  with  a  more  fcnfible  Warmth  and 
ife  upon  the  Atjditory, 

EvT  I  proceed ; 

E  i.  Vu^ 


U  I'be  Lije  of 

His  J^iejUon  for  Monday  Morning  was.  What 
Jhall  I  do  in  my  Family,  and  for  the  Good  of  it  ? 

Mere  he  tonlidered  himfelf  as  an  Husband ^  as  a 
Father  and  as  a  Mafter.  He  would  defire  his  Confort 
to  thinkj  what  ^ro^ofals  there  were  that  She  would 
inake  to  him  in  her  Service.  He  projected  how  his 
Prayers  with  her  in  his  Study  might  be  very  much 
for  her  Service.  He  chofe  Sooks  to  be  read  by  her 
that  might  be  fo.  He  contrived  how  to  mention  fomc 
inftrutUve  thing  at  going  to  Sleep^  and  Riling  from  it. 

He  confidered  what  'Joints  of  Education  were  ilill 
wanting  in  any  of  his  Children,  and  purfued  them  in 
the  molt  proper  Ways.  I  told  you  before,  he  cailfed 
them  to  read  and  -ivrite  fuch  things  as  he  found  out 
for  their  befl  Advantage,  and  moft  luitable  Entertain- 
ment. He  took  each  of  them  alone  fucceffively  on 
the  Saturday  Evenings,  and,  having  obtained  a  know- 
ledge of  their  interior  State,  and  the  declared  Refolu- 
tions  of  their  Souls  for  early  Piety,  he  prayed  with 
them.  He  caufed  fome  of  them  to  compofe  Prayers 
and  bring  them  to  him  in  writing,  that  he  might  fee 
their  Temper  and  Progrefs  in  Religion.  He  obliged 
them  to  retire  and  ponder  upon  that  Queftion,  What 
Jhould  I  ivifi  to  have  done,  if  J  zvere  noiv  a  dying  ? 
And  he  would  oblige  them  to  report  unto  him  their 
own  Anfwer  to  the  Qiiellion  ;  of  vvhich  he  took  Ad- 
vantage to  inculcate  theZeJJons  ofGodlinefs  on  them. 

He.  confidered  how  to  drop  ufeful  Admonitions  on 
his  Servants,  as  they  were  waiting  on  him  ;  if  the 
A<5^ion  afforded  any  Time  for  it.  He  provided  for 
their  Inrtrudion  in  every  thing  that  he  fuppofed 
might  be  for  their  Good.  He  put  fuch  TreatiJ'es  into 
their  Hands,  as  might  be  moll  profitable  unto  them 
in  the  Peruial.  And  as  a  fort  of  Crumbs  falling  from 
the  Table  of  his  Servants,  he  hired  a  Woman  to  keep 
a  School,  in  which  the  Sable  Sons  of  Ethiopia  might 
every  Evening  learn  to  read  and  be  taught  their  Ca^ 
rechifm;  and  he  himfelf  bore  the  whole  Expcnce  of 

thi^ 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather  55 

this  CJiJsmy  Schooly  every  Week  paying  the  Miftrefi 
hcj  Wages, 

Two  were  his  ^eftions  for  Tuesday  Morning, 

Firfl,  WHAT'fiaUIdofor  my B.d'm\Qs abroad^ 
He  took  a  Catalogue ^  which  began  with  his  'Pareuts', 
and  extended  as  far  as  the  Childrtn  of  his  dufin  Gcr'- 
mans.  With  the  help  of  this  Catalogue,  he  pi;opoun- 
j3cd  that  he  would  at  proper  times  ^ray  for  each  of 
thcm.diflincflly  by  Name.  And  that  every  Week  he 
would  finglc  out  one  of  them  to  conhdcr,  JVbat 
Good^may  I  do  for  them}  Or  m  K\)hH  Inftancc  mav 
they  he  the  hater  j or  we  >  And,  that  he  might  addrcfs 
every  one  of  them  fucceirively  vvith  faithful  Admoniti- 
pns,  concerning  their  interior  and  eternal  IntcrcHs, 
cither  by  fpeakmg  to  them  perlonally^  or  by  Writing 
to  them,  or  by  putting  2^ooki  of  'Piety  into  their 
Hands  ;  he  propounded  in  this  way  to' glorify  our 
blelfed  Saviour,  and  p^dc^'vQur  a  Conformity  to 
him,  who  even  on  his  Crofs  took  peculiar  Care  of  one 
that  was  fiearly  related  unto  him.  But  he  did  not 
confine  thefe  Eflays  of  Good  unto  his  Relatives  with- 
in the  Limits  of  his  Catalogue :  No !  He  made  thehi 
irc^ch  as  far  as  ever  he  could  find  out  Opportunities, 
1  need  not  any  further  explain  this  Article  ^  only  "\u 
one  Inflance. 

When  his  Father  was  become  aged  and  in  a  co;v 
tfnualand  defirous  Expectation  of  his  call  out  of  thi!^ 
World,  tho'  he  was  in  a  goodState  of  Health, Strength 
and  Vigor;  he  refolved  that  every  Interview  he  had 
with  him  (  which  was  almoll  every  Day  ;  fhould 
have  in  it  fomething  or  other  referring  to  the  Heaven- 
ly World y  and  alfift  their  m.utual  Preparation  for  ^t; 
not  knowing  but  it  might  be  the  laft  Tme  of  thei^ 
Conferring  together  in  this.  ' ' ' ' 

But  then  Secondly  ;  When  fjch  an  Occnrron  flir  if 
has  occur'd,  ke  intermitted  the  former  Qj^iefli^.n,  anct 
v/^sas  much  ccncerncd  for  bii  Euemp^  ( Nvhom  G<u> 

E  5  m^Jf 


S{:  'The  Life  of 

made  Inftrumcnts  of  Good  unto  him  )  as  for  Ih  Re- 
l. lives.    He  therefore  enquired^    What  Good Jfj ail  1 

do  for  my  Terfona^  Enemies  j  and  boixi  Jhall  1  ovtr^ 

come  Evil  witlJ  Good  i 

His  publick  Circumflances^  his  Faithfulnefs  ii\  the 
Difchafge  ofhisDuty^  the  Power  o\  Satan  over  the 
Minds  ot  many  People  <5c  the  Envy  of  fome  ill  Spirits 
at  his  Improvement  and  Acceptance  procured  him  % 
NuTiber  of  ferfonal  Enemies^  or  at  leall  of  fuchas 
treated  him  injurioufiy  and  abufively.  Each  of  thofe 
Perfonsj  as  far  as  he  could  come  to  the  Knowledge  of 
them,  he  would  fet  himfelt  diilinctly  to  conhder. 
What  good  Offices  he  might  do  for  them  ?  Befure,  ac- 
cordingly, he  prayed  for  each  of  them  by  Name^  an4 
he  would  fay,  as  I  remember  I  haye  read  in  Mr.  Bur- 
iLir'^Uik/fcme  ^erfons  had  never  had  a  pare  in 
my  Prayers  but  for  the  Injuries  they  have  done  me  f. 
And  if  he  could  perceive  or  invent  any  other  Oppor- 
tunity to  do  them  Goody  he  wouM  do  it ;  tho'  many 
Times  he  has  done  it  fo,  that  they  knew  not  whence 
it  came.  He  was  very  fond  of  being  able  to  fay, 
^hat  he  knew  not  of  any  ^I'eyfon  in  the  Worlds  that 
load  done  him  an  ill  Office^  hut  he  had  done  him  a 
good  one  for  it ;  and  he  left  ofFthe  Alternation  of 
this  Qtieftionj  till  there  might  recur  Opportunities 
for'his  Tho'tsuponit. 

Hrs  3ue(lion  for  Wednesday  Morning  was, 
}Vhat  poll  I  do  for  the  Churches  of  the  LORT>y  and 
the  more  general  Interefi  of  Religion  in  the  World  ? 

Here  he  confidered,  what  ^ropofals  to  make  un- 
to oi\iCi['Minijlers  of  his  Acquaintance.  He  conlidered 
vhat  'Books  he  might  compered  publifh  to  advance 
the  Kingdom  of  his  Savio\;r.  He  confidered,  how 
to  dittufe  and  difperfe  the  Engines  ofChrifbianKnow- 
lege  and  Vertue  unto  diltant  Places.  He  had  his 
many  CcrrefpondeiJclsS:,  ('  of  svhich  more  by  and  by  ) 

but 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather^  55 

<"'  ,* 

but  he  would  make  them  all  fubferv-ient  to  his  greati 
Defign.  His  endeavors  to  lervc  the  general  Intsrefi 
cfReligiony  have  reached  unto  each  of  the  threfKifi^^ 
dems.  They  have  extended  unto  fcveral  other  Natj^ 
tions  of  Eurojpe,  They  have  vifited  all  the  Englijb 
"Plantations  %.  udm erica -,  and  parricularly  every 
Town  oU\\^  JSfenjc-En-gUJb  Colonies.to  which  he  was 
under  fpeci^;!  Obligations.  Negroes  6:  Indians,  Na- 
tions of  them  as  well  as  others,  have  been  reached  by 
them  :  Nor  has  the  Je-icijh  Nation  been  unconfidered, 
nor  the  Greek  Churches.  Thus  extenfively  generous 
was  he,  that  I  cannot  help  ufing  Sir  John  I>£.k  ham's 
fine  'Charader  of  his  "thames  ^^  and  applying  it  unto 
theDoftor; 

Thus  Godlike  his  un-jceari^d  ^otaity  flo-ws ; 
Firfl  ioves  to  doy  then  loves  the  Good  He  does. 
Nor  are  the/c  ileffijigs  to,  his   "Banks  confined  ^  ,, 
'But  free  and  common   as  the  Sea  and  Wijid, 

But  1  come  to  Thursday  Morning:  His  ^%^ 
tios  for  that  was,  E^'h^t  Good  may  I  do  in  the  fiver fii 
Societies  to  ivhich  I  am  related  ?  ' '  '         - 

He  was  related  to  above  tzv.^my  Societies  6f  a  Re- 
ligious Chara(fler  and  Intention.  He  niuft  have  his 
Times  to  P^ij^P  every  one  ot  thefe,  always  to  do  fome- 
thing  in  them  and  for  them.  He  kept  a  v/atchful. 
Fye'  over  them,  and  would  as  far  as  polTJble  make 
them  become  Engines  of  Good  in  the  Land. 

Some  of  the  Societies  which  he  cherifhed  as  well  as 
produced,  were  a  fort  of  Reforming  Societies,  or  So- 
cieties for  the  SuppreJJlon  ofDiforders.  I  have  fpokc 
•f  them  before,  but  will  now  give  a  more  particular 
Account  of  them.     The  Dodor  contrivecl  and  pre 

Religion  to  whi 
could,    bear 
part  in  pj^rfuinglhe  DeligTi  ofthefi 


pos'd,  that  the  other  Societies  of  Religion  tow  lx^^^-j. 
he  belong'd  might,  as  far  as  they  could,  bear  theif: 
oart  in  purfuins  the  Defielfi  oUhefe  R'^ferr^i^rs.    W^ 


¥  Vid.  Dcnham's  Covffey'i  UUU 


5(?  "fhe  Life  of 

for  thefgy  he  endeavored  generally  every  Week  to  be 
p  refent  with  them  ;  and  ever  to  fay  (omthing  that 
jnight  be  both  for  their  'Z)ireEfion  and  Encouragement, 
He  drew  up  certain  ^Fo/HtsofConJideratioft,  to  be 
wi  th  due  Paufes  read  in  the  Societies  every  time  they 
ine  t,  for  any  to  offer  what  Propofal  he  plcafed  upon 
any  of  the  Points  at  the  Reading  of  it.  I  will  here 
tranfcribe  thofe  'Joints  of  Confideration  j  and  we  may 
eafily  guefs^  that  they  will  fiipply  one  with  Matters 
to  which  one  may  be,  not  a  little,  ferviceable. 

^  I.  Is  there  any  remarMle  fDifof-der  in  the  Place, 
*"  that  requires  our  endeavor  for  the  Suppreffion  ofiti 
^  and  in  what  fair,  likely  way  we  may  endeavor  it  ? 

^  2.  Is  there  any  particular  ^  erf  on  whofe  difor- 
'  derly  jBehavior  may  be  fo  fcandalouJ  dc  fo  notorious 
^  that  we  may  do  well  to  fend  unto  the  faid  Fcrfon 
f  our  charitable  Admonitions  ?  Or  are  there  any 
'  contending  ^erfons  whom  we  Ihould  admonilh,  to 
^  quench  their  Contentions^ 

^  5.  Is  there  2Lny  ffccial  Service  to  the  Intereftscf 
*  Religion,  which  we  may  conveniently  defirc  our 
^  Miffijlers  to  take  Notice  of? 

'  4.  Is  there  any  thing  v;e  may  do  well  to  men> 
'  tion  unto  the  jfufiices  for  the  further  promoting  good 
^  Order  ? 

^5.  Is  there  any  fort  of  Officers,  among  us  to  fuch  a 
^  Degree  unmindful  cf  their  Duty,  that  we  may  do 
5  well  to  mind  them  of  it  ? 

^  6.  Can  any  further  Methods  be  dcvifed  that  Ig- 
'  norance  and  Wickednefs  may  be  chafed  from  our 
•^  People  in  general,  and  that  Houfchold  ^Fiety  in 
-  particular  may  flourilli  among  them  ? 

*■  7.  Does  there  appear  any  Inftance  of  0//>r^/7/<?;> 
^  or  Fraudnkiicc  in  the  Dealings  of  any  fort  cf  Peo- 
^'  'Mj  that  may  call  "for  cm  Effaysto  get  ifre^lified? 

^  8.  li 


Dr,  Cotton  Mathei;..  ^^ 

^  8.  Is  there  any  Matter  to  be  humbly  moved 
•^  unto  the  Legijlathe  'Poiver  to  be  enacted  into  a 
^  Za-w  for  pubbc  Benefit  ? 

'  9.  Do  we  know  of  any  Perfon  languifhing  under 
^  fore  and  fad  AfflitHon  \  and  is  there,  any  thing  wc 
^  may  do  for  the  Succour  of  fuch  an  afflided  Neigh- 
'bour?  • 

'  10.  Has  any  Perfon  any  ^ropofal  to  make  for 
^  our  own  further  Advantage  and  AlTlliance^  that  w€ 
'  our  felvcs  may  be  in  a  probable  and  regular  Capacity 
^  to  purfuethe  Imentkm  before  u$'? 

Thus  I  have  taken  theLiberty  to  recite  their  Joints 
cf  Confine  ratio »,  in  hopes  that  the  publilhing  of  them 
may  be  very  ferviceable. 

The  Doctor  ftarted  numberlefs   Things     in  the 

4S'(?(ri>r/V5  upon  thcfe  Points.  Thc;r  Regi/rers  I  fup- 
pole,  are  lilPd  with  thcin.  I  ihall  only  add^  con- 
cerning thefe  Societie,,  that  once  a  Year  they  u fed  ail 
to  meet  together  in  one  Place,  and  have  a  iDay  of 
Grayer,  in  which  they  ham  bled  them  felvcs  for  doing 
fo  lictle  Good  .;  and  befought  the  Pardon  of  their  Un- 
fruitfulnefs  thrv>' the  Blood  of  the-  great  Sacrifice; 
alid  implored  the  Bleliing  of  Heaven  on  the  Effay.s 
to  do  Good  which  they  had  made,  with  the  Counfel 
tnd  Conduct  of  Heaven  for  their  further  Eifays,  and 
fuch  Influences  of  Heaven  as  might  bring  about  thofe 
Reformation^^  which  it  was  not  in  their  Pov/cr  to  ac- 
compliffi.  On  theie  Days  the  Docflor,  with  another 
Minifter  carried  on  the  Exercifes. 

This  was  his  Method  ©n  Tlmrjday  Mornings  : 
But  at  length  he  found  it  expedient  to  change  his 
Queftion ;  and  He  .jnade  this  his  alternate  one ;  Is 
there  any  particular^ erfo?t  able  to  do  the  Good^johich 
lies  cut  of  my  more  imrr^ediate  Reach j  to  --vhom  XmRV 
^er  fome   good  Tropofal}  '  .        '^ 


^3  T'ls  Life  of 

Bt  anfwcring  this  Q^fiion^  he  made  his  Conve^-^ 
&don  flili  more  ufefuL  Thus  he  was  often  a  Doei 
of  Good  at  the  Second  Handy  and  often  had  th^ 
PIcafore  not  to  be  known  to  have  any  hand  at  all  in 
what  was  done. 

TuE.  Qucilion  for  Friday  Morn  was  coi^lliintly 
this  ;  What  fpecial  SubjeBs  of  Affli^^on,  and  Obje^is 
€f  Compajfion^  may  I  take  under  my  }ar:kular  Care  ^ 
and  'xhatJbaU  I  do  for  them> 

Heke  he  took  a  Catalogue  of  the  ^oor  in  his 
numerous  Flock  ;  but  extended  his  Care  farther  than 
foj,  wherever  he  faw  any  mifcrable.  He  minded  ailbj, 
who  wanted  Employment ;  He  took  notice  of  thofe 
xtadtj peculiar  ExercifeSy  and  was  very  tho^tfulj,  what 
Souls  were  by  particular  Addreffes,  to  be  pull'd  as 
^Brands  cm  of  the  Surning^  becauft  of  their  being 
abandoned  to  flanging  Wickednefs  ?  He  conflantly 
finglcd  out  one  oi  other  of  thefe  to  be  on  this  Morn- 
ing confideTed. 

I  ihdiH  only  add  one  thing  more  npon  this  Head : 
He  oonJSdcred,  that  tho^  the  fVind  will  not  fill  the 
Sungry,  yet  it  will  turn  the  Mllly  that  will  grind 
the  CoTfi  to  fin  the  himgry.  And  ^hercfore^,  havir^ 
his  Lifl  efMiferables  commonly  with  him,  he  very 
<^ften  m  Company  would  make  it  a  Subjei^  of  th^ 
Converfation,  What  Jhall  be  done  for  fucb  or  fuch  an 
9ne  in  my  Lift-  ?  And  thus^  befides  the  innumerable 
Kindnefies  which  he  had  himlelf  more  immediately 
done  for  them^  he  procured  multitudes  of  Kindnefle's 
from  others ;  and  the  firll  Spring  in  the  Motion  has 
been  unknown  to  them.  Very  much  of  the  St^irh  and 
<Pkafure  of  his  Life  was  in  fuch  things  as  thcfe.  An4 
I  may  teil  my  Reader,  what  I  gave  him  to  underflanct 
before^  that  he  did  not  ordinarily  let  ojjs  Day  in' a 
jTear  pafs  him,  without  fomething  expended  onpiouA 
t/feSy  befides  his  other  comin^ai  Kifiinejfes  to  affliic- 
ted  People. 

AkI5 


"Di,  Co*»ON  Math  EH  1  xa 

And  at  length  I  arrive  tote  Suejlioti  (or  Satur^ 
CA.Y  Morning.  ^  I  may  well  cat!  it  hiS:,  for  it  was 
j^bout  the  Concerns  of  his  o'vcn  SouL 

The  Queilion  was  ;  JVhat  more  have  I  to  do  for 
fhe  Intereji  oJGOi)  in  my  own  Heart  and  Life  ? 


r' 


I  fhall  a  little  here  illuflrate  his  way  of  Thinking 
Upon  this  Qucftion. 

He  would  fet  himfelf  to  confider  the  more  fpecial 
Sins  of  his  Tomb  ;  and  ■^hTLtmoYt  fpecidl  Serviceht 
Ihould  do  for  the  Kingdom  of  God,  in  the  greatcll 
Contrariety  to  his  former  Mifcarriages. 

He  ^tt  himfelf  then  to  confider  the  Reproaches  he 
had  met  with  j  and  upon  this^  what  Services  he  ihould 
be  awakened  by  them  to  do  for  the  Kingdom  of  God; 

Ks  confidered^  how  he  was  favoured  with  furprt 
zing  and  unpommon  Opportunities  to  publifh  many 
Sooks  cf  'Tiery  ;  and  of  what  valt  Concernment  it 
was,  thathefhould  take  effectual  Care  his  own  !Booi<s 
did  not  prove  at  lafl:  his  Condemnation,  by  his  foiling 
jnthofe  Attainments  in  Religion^  which  he  commen- 
ded unto  others.  Wherefore  (^  with  Prayers  to  be  de- 
livered from  this  )  he  would  fometimes  on  a  Lord '5 
Day  Evening  read  over  his  own  2^ooks  oj  ^evotion^ 
and  work  them  over  again  upon  his  Hearty  until  his 
own  Soul  was  exquifitely  conformed. unto  thcfn.  •  • 

HE-refoived,  that  v^hzttvtr' hodily' Infirmities  hfi 
might  labour  under,  (  or  that  he  could  call  to  miiid 
he  had  been  viiited  with  )  he  would,  make  them  the 
Occafions  and  Incentives  of  fomeagreabi,eDirpQfit:Ioni 
in  his  Soul. 

Thus  I  have  given  you  a  brief  Specimen  of  hi:>  an- 
fweringthe/^  Qucflion  :  I  have  been  the  moxthriej' 
here  ;  becaule  z  fuller  Anfiyer  will  be  given  to  it  in 
thefix'th  Chapter  of  this  Book^  where  I  fhall  treat  of 
feis   Ckrifiian  Life2(.\dir^^.' 

C  H  A  P- 


^©  the  Life  of 

Chap.    Ill, 

Uis  Experiences,  and  Deliverances  from  Tefnp- 
tations.  Dangers  and  Sicknefs  -,  together  with 
his  Deliverances  from  Evil  Tongues  &  pens  j 
and  bis^arriage  &  Refolutions  tohen  troubled 
mitb  them, 

X,     A   MoNG  the  three  Things  which  conftitutc  a 
f-\    finipi*d  2)ivine3  T'empation  is  one ;  and  none 

«^  ^  muil  exped  to  be  very  confiderable  with- 
out them.  Mr.  Mather  had  hisiharcof 
them. 

He  was  never  much  tempted  to  queilion  the  Ex- 
iflence  and  Providence  of  the  Deity  :  If  ever  he  was 
It  all,  he  rejeEled  the  tho'ts  with  the  utmoft  Detcfla- 
tion  and  Abhorrence. 

Whenever  he  was  tempted  to  any  evil  Frame  of 
Soul,  or  any  wrong  AEtion^  his  conllant  Courfe  was 
to  cry  out,  O  1,0  R^  I  befeech  T'H  E  E,  'Deliver 
ny  Soul  I  and  he  endeavoured  to  form  fuch  'I'bo^n  ^s 
Ihould  be  reverfe^  to  thofc  infufed  or  excited  by  the 
Tempter,  as  well  as  to  aEl  contrary  and  diametrically 
oppoijte  to  what  he  was  tempted  to.  Thus  he  refiftea 
the  2)evil  i^ntil  he  fled  from  him;  He  tho't,  thafe 
Oracle  in  \  Cor.  xv.  58.  was  Anfwer  enough  for  any 
Temptation. 

2.  I  will  rehte  one  or  two  Inltances  of  the  Divine 
Appearance  to  keep  him  from  Dellruclion,  when  in 
very  great  Danger. 

In  his  3^th  Year  he  received  a  Remarkable  'Dz- 
liverance.  For,  Riding  over  a  "Bridge  one  of  the 
^olei  on  it,  that  was  rottetiy  broke,  and  his  Horfe 
broke  thro'  and  funk  doivn  to  his  ^Breafl.  Mr.  M  ae- 
ther chofc  rather  to  keep  the  Saddle  than  go  ofF 
into  the  River y  at^d  the  Horfe  to  the  Aftonifhment  of 
fhe  Company  rofe  again  (tearing  oft'his  Shoe  inRifiK^j 
j^nd  lc;^p'd  over  with  Mr.  Mather   fafe  upon  him. 

Hovi 


Dr>  Cotton  Mather,  ,    ^% 

How  happily  do  all  Creatures  fcrvc  usj  while  we  are 
fcrving  their  and  our  LORD  ! 

.  I  fhall  relate  but  one  notable  Deliverance  more  ; 
When  the  Squadron  arrived  from  the  Wefl-IndieSy  on 
Board  of  which  there  was  a  confiderableArmy  return- 
ed from  a  fruitlefs  Expedition  there j  Mr.  Mather. 
was  defired  by  many  of  the  Officers  to  give  tliem  z 
Sermon  on  a  certain  Sahbath  upon  an  Ijland  where 
they  put  alhorc  to  air  thcmielves.  He  rafhly  under- 
took it^  but  while  he  was  m  hie  Excellency's  Barge,  he 
was  taken  fo  very  Sick  that  his  Friends  mull  needs 
carry  him  back  again.  As  foon  as  he  came  Home  he 
was  well :  The  Admiral  afterwards  told  him,  it  was 
well  he  went  no  further  ^  for  the  Army  had  newly 
fufFered  a  great  Defolation  by  a  Sicknefs  more  infe(5i:i- 
ous  arid  deftrudive  than  the  Plague  it  felf :  And  had 
he  gone  and  converied  among  fuchan  infecflious  Com- 
pany, it  would  probably  have  coil  him  his  Life,  as  it 
proved  mortal  to  many  of  his  Neighbours,  who  were 
K>  hardy  as  to  go  down  among  them* 

:;.  But  having  mentioned  his  being  kept  from  ill- 
nefs,I  may  now  very  properly  add  a  Secflion  of  his  be- 
ing  vijited  ^xhh  Sicknefs y  his  Thofsundtx  it,  his  de- 
liverance from  it,  with  the  grateful  Sentiments  of  his 
Heart  upon  being  kept  from  fundry  Difeafes. 

Sometimes,  efpecially  when  a  Young  Man,  he 
was  troubled  with  tormenting  Pains  in  his  'teeth  and 
Jail's,  which  Tains  made  him  lofe  more  Time  than 
he  was  willing  to  fpare,  and  which  produced  many  a 
fad  Hour  to  him  in  his  Pilgrimage,  In  thefe  Pains 
he  would  fet  himfelf,  as  well  as  he  could,  to  try  Ms 
Ways, 

He  confidered  whether  or  no,  he  had  not  finned 
with  his  T'eeth  ?  How  ?  By  finful  and  exceffive  Eat- 
ing  :  And  by  E'vil  Speeches ;  for  there  are  Liters 
2)entaks  ufed  in  them.  At  laft  by  a  courfe  of  Wafh- 
ing  behind  his  Ears  and  on  the  Top  of  his  Head  with 
Cold  JVater^  he  obtsioed  a  Deliverance  from  the  un^ 
caiineilej.  By 


^ft  Ths  Life  of 

Bv  Rcafon  of  his  Sedentary  Life^  great  Study  and 
little  Exercife,  he  was  when  in  Years  inuch  afflicted 
and  enfeebled  with  Sicknefs  at  his  Stomachy  a  palled 
sad  pained  Stomach.  From  hence  he  muft  awaken 
himlclf  to  bewail  his  want  of  a  Stomach  for  the  Service 
of  GoDj  and  Meditations  on  his  Saviour  ;  he  mult 
Hourn  for  his  not  having  an  Appetite  for  the  beft  Ob- 
jecSbs  and  Adions>  which  he  tho't  he  had  not  duely 
iclilhcd :  The  Offences  of  his  Stomach  in  the  Intemp- 
erance of  the  Table  he  tho't  alfo  to  be  bewailed  ;  he 
muft  beg  the  Pardon  of  his  Mifcarriages  thro^  the  Blood 
of  the  great  Sacrifice^,  and  beg  Grace  to  carry  it  better. 
Thus  he  fetch'd  Good  cut  of  EnJih  and  thus  Evil 
ivorlCd  together  for  his  Good. 

The  laft  Thing  I  #iall  mention  in  this  Section  is 
his  pious  Tho'ts  upon  being  delivered  from  Sicknefs 
in  General^  zndfive  Difeajes  in  particular. 

He  was  ever  defirous^  to  be  greatly  affected  with 
Difpofitions  ofagreable  Gratitude  unto  the  God  of  his 
Health  ;  and  by  the  Health  with  which  he  v**as  fa- 
voured to  be  awakened  unto  fuch  Acknowledgments 
of  Goi^  and  fuch  Refolations  of  Piety,  as  he  tho't  were 
inoft  emphatically  cxpe61:ed  from  hmi.  \^herefore 
when  he  vifited  the  Sick>  he  would  blefs  the  Lord 
for  his  own  Fr^cd-m  from  their  Diieafes  ;  and  would 
fchink,  what  moral  ^Jifrafei  and  Diforders  he  had 
analogous  to  themjagainlt  which  he  fhouid  be  watch- 
ful I  and  unto  what  Graces  and  A(5tions  he  fhouid  by 
the  Goodnefs  of  his  Saviovr  be  animated,  and  he 
would  firft  offer  his  'Prayers  and  then  employ  his 
Cares  for  the  obtaining  of  them. 

There  are  particularly  €<ye  !Z^/7if^^ ;  hisDelivcr- 
ance  from  each  of  which,  he  improved  in  a  way  of 
exceeding  I'hankfulnefs  unto  the  Lor  r  his  Healer. 
And  bcitig  delivered  from  tbemj  he  would  on  the  oc- 
cafion  glorify  his  God  after  this  manner.  Since  he 
Was  not  lying  under  the  living  Death  of  a  ^alfey^hc 
would  be  very  zcalOus  and  aCfive  in  the  Service  of 

God 


Dr.  CoT*roM  Mather,  4^ 

God,  Since  he  was  not  uEderCorrofions  of  a  Career, 
he  would  have  all  Tendencies  to  Envy  extinguifiicd 
in  his  Soul,  and  a  perpetual  Joy  at  the  Profpcrity  of 
his  Neighbour  flourifhing  in  him.  Since  he  had  not 
the  Tortures  of  the  Gotit^  his  Feet  Ihould  chearfully 
carry  him  to  the  affli6led,  with  Comfortable  Words, 
and  unto  the  Congregation  of  the  Faithful ;  While 
his  Hands  fhould  not  be  idle  in  writing  for  God,  and 
in  diftributing  to  the  Poor.  Since  the  Scone  had  not 
laid  him  on  the  Rack>  he  would  be  full  of  tenderCt?/??- 
pajjion  to  all  the  Miferable,  And  fince  he  was  not 
w^afling  mihzConfumption,hQ  would  beware  ofZ^j/h 
^jefs  in  the  Soul,  arid  fining  aioay  in  Iniquity,  Thus 
he  learned  Obedience  by  the  things  ^hich  he  fuffered 
not. 

4.  I  never  obfervcd  among  Pagan  Writers  a  better 
defcription  in  ^o  few  Words  of  a  good  Man,  refolatc 
in  Virtue,  even  ^^hW^^hth- reproached  for  it,  thaa 
that  of  Ru  T I L I  us,  RUI'IL  II  Virtus  13  Inmcen- 
tin  later ety  nifi  accepijjet  Injuriam ;  T)um  viciatur 
effiilfit  t-  The  very  fame  may  be  faid  concerning  I>r* 
Mather,  in  the  midfl  of  the  bafe  Ufage  he  met  with 
from  the  "Tongues  and  "^ens-  of  feveraL 

My  excellent  Uncle  of  Witney  in  OxfordJInre^  m 
his  Letter  about  Temptations ,  obferves,that  MiniilcK,^ 
who  meet  with  abufes  from  forry  and  fcoundrel  Peo- 
ple, have  caufe  to  look  on  themiclves  as  humbled  oa 
the  Account  of  their  having  the  JEgyptian  Plague  of 
Lice  upon  them.  Ik  fo,  then  the  Dodor  might  have 
Caufe  for  Humiliation  on  the  fame  Account ;  having 
perhaps  the  Infults  of  contemptiblePeoplc,theA{Iaul£s 
of  thofe  inlignificant  Lice,  more  than  any  Man  in 
Ne'iv- England.  Thefe  troublefome  but  diminutive 
Creatures  he  fcorn'd  to  concern  himfdf  with,  only^ta 
^ity  them  and  pray  iox  them. 

However  God  appeared  fo  for  him,  that  fcvera? 
•f  them  have  at  laft  been  bro*c  to  cotifcfs,  again^ 

t  S^n??:a  Epift.  79, 


^4.  "the  Life  tf 

their  Will  almoft,  what  fuperior  Excellency  there  was 
inhim. 

I  will  here  for  fome  Caufes  infert  one  PalFage  ; 
C  tho'  there  were  feveral  in  the  Dodor's  Life  of  the 
fame  Importance  )  'Tis  this ; 

In  the  Year  1704.  OEiob.  lo.  there  came  feveral 
People  to  the  Dodor  very  late  at  Nighty  telling  him, 
there  was  a  Man  in  the  Town  lay  a  dying,  but  could 
not  be  fatisfied  unlefs  he  faw  him  before  he  died.  The 
Man  was  noted  for  his  wickednefs.  * 

When  the  Do6lor  came  to  him  (^  who  wondredat 
him  that  he  would  fo  readily  do  it  )  he  told  him  to 
this  Purpofe,  ^  That  he  had  been  a  very  profane  Per- 

*  ion  ;  that  he   had  given  himfelf  a  great  Lioerty  to 

*  abufe  good  Men ;  but  had  abufed  no  Man  in  the 
^  World  fo  much  as  Doctor  Mather,  and  that  he 
^  could  not  go  out  of  the  World  without  confelling 
'  it,  bewailing  it  unto  him,  and  befeeching  him  to 
^  pardon  it.  '  The  Doftor  asked  him,  if  he  had  re- 
ceived any  particular  Prejudice,  or  ever  had  been  in- 
formed or  could  have  pretended  any  particular  Matter 
of  Fad:,  upon  which  his  Abufes  might  have  been  eila- 
blifhed  ?  He  gave  him  to  underfland,  that  *"  There 
*■  was  nothing  of  that^  but  all  v/as  do-A-nright  Malign 
^  nity  ;  for  he  took  him  to  be  a  Man  that  did  more 
^  Good  than  others,  and  that  was  all  the  Reafon  why 
^  he  had  vilified  him  more  than  other  Men  '. 

The  Dodor,  after  his  well  known  mild  Way,  told 
the  Man,  That  there  was  no  Occafion  for  any  Par- 
don becaufe  of  his  Speaking  diminutively  of  him ; 
for,  fays  he,  you  may  fpeak  fo  of  me,  and  do  me  no 
wrong.  But,  continued  he,  for  your  fpeaking  injuri- 
oufly,  falfely,  calumnioufly  of  me,  it  was  indeed  a 
Fault  y  yet,  as  he  would  forgive  it  without  his  asking 
for  it,  had  it  been  ten  hundred  times  more  than  it 
was,  he  would  join  with  him  in  crying  to  God  for 
the  Forgivcnefs  of  that,  and  every  Thing  elfe  wherc- 

*  His  Name  was  Gtorgt  FUUirg* 

In 


Df.  CoTTOiNi  Mather,'    ^  #5 

Jh  he  had  done  amifs.  ^  He  did  fo;  The  Man  wasf 
ftU  of  Affection  to  him^)  kept  contintiaHy  crying  for 
him  to  be  with  him  the  next  Day  in  the  Forenoon,, 
and  he  died  in  the  Afternoon.—  And  perhaps  every 
Man  who  ever  reproached  him,  if  he  were  to  place 
himfelf  in  the  Circumftances  of  a  dying  Man  would 
alter  his  Opinion  and  change  his  Tone. 

/  havefaid  of  h\smeaner  Reproaches :  But/Coul4 
one  think  ity  the  Doctor's  dilhnguifhing  ^iety  and 
(Jfefulnefs  procured  him  fome  Enemies  among  thofe 
who  might  otberivifc  pafs  for  Men  of  Senfe  ^  Credit. 
Such  would  lomctimes  fpeak  difrefps 51  fully  of  him  ; 
and  now  and  then  aZoiLuswould  vent  his  Spitej, 
foam  out  bis  Malice  and  Shame  ;  while  he  inftead  of 
returning-  an  Anfwer  when  advis'd  to  it,  chofe  rather 
to  publilk  fucK  Trcatifes  as  were  lafting  Teftimonies 
of  his  Religion  6i  Charity, 

There  were  feme  who  alfo  'uorote  againft  him  ; 
but  againlt  all  their  Calumnies,  as  St.  Ignatius  faid 
to  PoLYCART,  he.  ^Qodfteadyy  and  fafi  asabeateft 
^nviL 

Sometimes  they  woUld  cnditd  Letters  full  of  gro-, 
veling  Malice,  and  fend  them  unto  him  :  He  receiveci 
them  without  Emotion  of  Soul,  and  tied  them  up  till 
rhcy  rnade  a  large  Bundle,  or>the  out  fide  of  which  he 
wrote>  Libels :  Father 3  fcrgivfj  them  l 

.  i 

Amd  fume  hxst  piihlij'hed  Sooks  full  of  Lies  anfil 
Inverlrves  againit  hrm" :  Bur,  as  the  Authors  wer« 
but  little  regarded,  the  Tiooks  were  fcarce  ever  look'c! 
in.  The  Doctor  took  no  other  Satisfadion  ofthenf^ 
but  jufl  to  write  in  the  beginning  of  the  Books  ;  job 
.XXXI.  3  5,  5d.  "-My  UJifire  is—  that  mine  Adver^ 
f'ary  had  •-xritten  a  'J^ock  :  Surely  I  ivould  take  it  on 
my  Shoulder  and  bind  it  as  a  Cro'vcn  to  me.  He  tho'c 
it  not  worth  his  while  to  write  againft  them,  of  ra- 
ther for  himfelf;  but  chofe  once  for  all  to  give  th^ 
World,  his   R^ght  Way  tojhake  off' a  Vipr, 

P  t 


66  ll'e  Life  of 

'  I  know  not  here  how  to  ufe  more  fignificaht 
Expreilions  than  thofe  us'd  by  Mr.  Baxter  in  his 
^Jying  Thot'i  \  concerning  luch  as  had  been  Angry 
withhim^  and  could  not  endure  him  to  anfwerthem, 
and  vindicate  his  own  Innocency  ;  I  fay,  I  know  not 
how  to  ufe  better  Exprdlions  of  Dr.  Mather  with 
relpeft  to  his  Enemies,  than  thefe,—  That  *"  all  of 
them  together  v\ere  never  able  tofaften  their  Accufa- 
tions,  and  iprotuxc  2in^  common  Selief ;  nor  to  bring 
him  under  dcfigned  Contempt  ;  much  lefs  to  break 
hii  Comforts^  Encouragements  and  Labors. 

^  I  fiiall  rpeak  ofbut  one  thing  more,  and  conclude 
this  Chapter  with  it.  The  Do6lor  was  a  firm  Friend 
to  bis  Country ;  and  by  Confcquencc  mufl  be  hated 
by  the  Enemies  ofity  is  he  was  :  For  Jfuppofe  there 
Kvas  not  one  Enemy  of  our  Country  hut  ivhat  pro- 
fefs'd  open  Enmity  to  Him  *  for  a  great  number  of 
Years^  perhaps  the  grcateft  part  of  his  Life. 

And  therefore  they  were  glad  of  all  Opportunities 
which  they  might  improve  fortheirAdvantage^^^^?//;/? 
him  ;  'and  were  particularly  pleas'd  when  they  could 
meet  with  any  private  Letters  from  others  to  him,  as 
well  as  from  him  to  others,  which  fome  were  fo  dif- 
ingenuous  as  to  expofe  :  They  were  never  able  to 
bring  about  their  Dciigns  :  The  Dodlor  was  high 
above  their  reach. 

But  becaufe  the  fbovving  o^ private  Letters  is  a 
frequent  Pracflice,  tho'  a  very  barbarous  ar.d  ungcn- 
tlem.anly  one,  I  will  take  the  Liberty  to  tranfcribc  for 
the  life  of  the  Learjied,  the  Words  of  Cicero^ 
in  Marc.  Anton,  'Philippic,  z. 


i  Pag.  217,  218. 

^  ^onam  FatG  tneo,  P.  C.  Fieri  d:cAm,  ut  nemo  his 
jfnvis  vi^inti  Reipuh.  Hojtn  fuer.i^  qui  von  Btllum 
iodtm  Tem$QrA  mihi  ^uo^-^  indjxirit'  Cictron*  Philip. 
Stcundo  - 


«*•> 


Dr.  CoTTori  Mather  ^^ 

At  efiam  IJteras  quas  me  fibimifijje  dicer et  reci^ 
tavit  Homoy  et  humanitatis  exferSy  ct  vit<f  co7nmu^ 
nis  ignariis,  ^uis  enim  unquam ,  qui  ^aulum  modo 
bonorum  Confuetudinem  fioffct,  Literas  adfe  ab  Ami^ 
CO  tnijfas,  offenfione  aliqua  interpofitay  in  medium 
frotulit,  pdlamq]  recitavit  >  ^uid hoc  eft  aliud^qur-m 
teller e  e  Vita  Fitce  Societatem'}  Toller e  Amicorum 
Colkqula  abOritium  ?  3uam  mult  a  Joca  folent  efje  #;; 
Epiltdis,  qiidP  f.xlatajtfint  inept  a  effe'  videantur  l 
^am  niultaferia,   neq,  tamcn  ullo  moBo  dtvulganda  ? 

-—  At  ego,  ncn  nego  ;  teq;  in  ijlo  ipfo  conmnco 
non  Inhutnafiitatisfoluw,  fed  etiam  Amentide,  SuoJ 
enim  Verbum  in  i  ft  is  Literisefl^  non  plenum  Humani^ 
tatiSy  Officii^  !Bencvolentic€  ?  Omne  autem  Crimen 
tuum  ejlj  quod  de  te  in  his  Uteris  non  male  e^^ijli:^ 
mem  ;  qmd  fcrib^m  tanquam  adCivsm,  tanquam  ad 
lonum  Vi-um,  non  tanquam  ad  Scekratum  et  Latro- 
71  em:  At  ego  tuns  Literas  etfi  jure  pot  erafn  ate  la- 
cejfitus,  t  amen  3  no?}  prefer  am. 


Chap.     iVo 

An  Account  oj  his  various  Writings^  kcri 
particularly  of  Jome  that  he  has  Printed^ 
and  of  others  that   remain  tn    Mah'ujcript, 

THE  mmber  of  the  Bootes,  which  fie  prin- 
ted; is'   three  hundred  eightv. and  t-jco ',    and 
a'nd  yet,  as   one  of  the  'Greek  Poets  fays   of 
htm  that  a^s  -zvith  GOO)  on  his  fide,  he  wrote  them^ 
t%  he  did  all  Things  ivith  Jiafe.-  On  die  outfide  of 
the   Catalogue  of  his.  Works,  which   I  fliall  give  you 
at  the  End  of  this  Booi,  he  wrote  that  Text  forhfs 
further  Excitation   and  En6oiiragement,    Joh.  xv.  8, 
Herein    is  my  Father  glorified,  that  've  bear  much 
Frm  I    And  upon  looking  over  the  Catchgue,  I 
F  2;  could 


^8  *tte  tife  of 

cinM^A  fiot  iielp   putting  thefe  tivo  Lines  at  the  End 
of/'r,  in  which   1  acknowlege   there  is  more  Truth 
than  lyit : 
^uam  mmerare  TJics  Sol  dct  mortalibus  Anno^ 
''Fluns  ^crdotiosedUit  ilk  Libros. 

2.  Betoae  I  fpeak  o^  one  particular  Book^  I  fhall 
vazkc^  general  OI^j ei"v a uoh  concerning  the  Dodor's 
Writings.  To  prepare  the  way  to  the  Remark,  let 
me  tell  you.  That  Dr.  Mather's  quick  ^ij pat  chin 
Reading  was  well  known  to  all ;  he  would  ride  ^oft 
thro*  an  Author,  drr/ttq;  pedum  pr<fvenere  l^enros -^ 
and  yet,  which  was  more  furprizing,  he  always  remem* 
bred  the  moft  obfer-vable  1  hings  he  read,  was  Majler 
of  them  and  able  to  produce  them. 

My  general  Remark  therefore  eoncerning  moilef 
the  Dodtor's  Writings  except  his  praulical  ones,  is. 
That  wc  need  not  wonder  to  lind  in  his  Books  To 
many  learned  Allufions  and  References ;  for  it  is  next 
to  impoiiible,  that  a  Man  ihould  keep  from  nxiiting 
learnedly^  and  as  if  he  were  acquainted  with  Author's 
and  their  Sentiments,  when  his  Mind  is  llored  with 
their  various  Ideas  and  Images,  and  he  is  a  com  pleat 
Owner  of  them. 

There  are  indeed  a  Set  of  Tfitlings,  who  for  Tear 
^{'Tedantry,  and  hurting  a  Period,  would  not  quote 
a  Greek  or"  Latin  Sentence,  however  weighty  and 
pregnant  it  may  be  ;  but,  inftcad  of  the  fnafjy  Senfi 
in  tne  Exprcllions  of  others,  chufc  their  oivn  eafy 
Flonjc  of  JVords-^  and  gliding  Vacuity  of  ^ho't.  Thus 
thele  Men  X^um  vitant  viria  in  contraria  cur  runt  f, 
to  ufe  a  Sentence  of  Horacf/s  ;  and,  to  mortify  them 
with  another  Author,  JuvE^JAL  gives  their  Charac- 
ter when  he  fays  of  fome,  Rarus  Sermo  illis  et  mag-, 
na  Libido  tacoidi  *  ;  which  lall  Sentence  I  would 
tranflate,  they  have  a  great  Gufl  for  faying  nothing* 


t  ncr.it.  Sat.  2.    *  JuvcTtiil  Sat. 

But 


Dr-  Cotton  Mather.  4y 

fivT  on  the  other  fidC;,  I  muft  confcfs  there  may 
•Jdc  a  Fault  in  endeavouring  and  Jiraining  for  far 
fetch'dy  and  dear  bought  Hints,  and  cramming  z 
iSifcourfe  with  them  :  And  therefore  I  eannot  duC 
fublcribeto  the  ingenuousObrervation  ofMr.TR  app  \, 
That  good  iVritiugSyis  Chthei ^ou^ht  net  to  be  loaded 
licit h  jfe-ix'tli. 


There  were  ju  ft  eno'  tg  render  a  ftrong^eai'y^S^  to  Jor 


I  need  not  fay  any  more  ia  a  general  way  concern- 
ing 13r,  Mather's 7/ r/V;/;^i  ;  linee  in  the  4.4.th  and 
4)th  Pages  of  his  MiuiuJuitio  he  has  hindred  nie^  by 
giving  the  World  a  Deicription  and  Account  of  them. 

3.  I  come  more  particularly  to.  fpeak  of  fome  of 
his  'Publications,  with  a  Vindication  of  them,  and 
an  ^^<;^(i;</;r  of  others,  together  with  the  Character 
oHon^^frcpareJ  for  the  Prcfs^  and  now  in  my  Hands. 

The  firll  Book,  I  Ihall  treat  of,  fliall  be  his 
Jifaj^nalia  C  H  R  I S'T I  Americana  :  AS^ck  replete 
with  Learning,  and  excellently  calculated  for  the  Ad- 
vancement of  true  Religion  ?i;  Undefiled  :  A  Sooky 
in.  which  the  good  Names  of  above  four/core  JVor- 
tkieSy  who  for  theCaufeof  Christ  came  over  into 
this  Land  when  it  was  a  Wildernefs,  are  confign'4 
oy.r  'Aith  Honor,  to  late  PoUerity  j  K'Bcok  jin  which 
there  i5  a  faithfulAccount  of  the  yidions  d^  Sufferings 
of  our  Fathers,  together  with  a  true  Relation  of  ma- 
ny remarkable  Providences  in  fetling  this  Land,  it's 
Churches y  College  y  School's  d,nd  Inhabitants  -.  and,  in 
a  word,  a  'Book,  in  which  the  defigns  of  a  ClTAVyh- 
Hifiory  are-exquifitely  accomnlodated. 


I  In  preho   Gemma  [empty   hnhiicz,    f^mpttrq',   hn^^ehn-ntvr  : 

t'cjlem  inter mt  Gemmis,    etiam  diverfo'um    Gtmtarn,   qui- 

ijuaverfum   onuflam  ^  coopeMam^  qtm  non    r'ldixet  putnis 

^.lam  Uuiivst  ?    Jof.  Trapp,  Prv-ici^t*  Poetic,  p.  i  u- 

F  i  Buy 


lo  7'^^e  Zfje  of 

But  I  had  rather  on  this  occafion  ufe  the  word^of 
Mr.  Alsop  (sl  Gentleman  of  great  Learning  &  ^/Vry, 
as  well  as  of  finjfhed  Wit )  who,  when  an  Abridg- 
rient  of  this  tliftory  wjs  propofed  in  an  AfTembly  of 
Miniflers,  fiid  -,  It  is  a  very  improper  "Prcpojal :  'Tis 
impoiTibktc  abridge  it  !  Abridging  it  ^ivill  injure  it. 
There  is  n-thingjuperfluous  in  it :  InfteaJ  ofEpito- 
mz,in^it^you  kad  better  read  it  twice  over  as  I  have-. 
No  Man  that  has  a  Relifijor  *Piety  or  for  Variety 
can  ever  be  iveary   of  it,  • 

I  have  feveral  other  Letters  by  me  from  Gentlemen 
beyond  Sea,  v\hich  ^xq  full  to  the  fame  purpole  :  And 
fcerCj  the  Gentlemen  at  Scotland  will  give  me  leave 
^0  declare  it,  that  they  highly  valu'd  the  i'erformance  : 
i^nd  the  equally  learned  and  modefl  Mr.  Miliar 
of  Taijley  in  particular  will  forgive  me,  iflfpcakof 
it,  that  in  his  excellent  Book  ot  the  ^Profa'gdtion  of 
Chridianity 3,  he  mentions  the  Dodor  ^s  well  as  his 
Magnalia  with  great  Refped. 

In  defcribing  the  Magnalla,  I  mentioned  the  Lives 
jn  it  and  their  Number  :  I  may  take  notice  here,  that 
t>y  the  Year  1718.  the  Doftor  hadpublifhed  the  Lives 
of  no  leis  than  one  hundred  and  jourteen  Men,  and 
more  than  :-wenty  Women,  and  fince  that  Year, 
he  has  printed  Accounts  and'  Characters  of  many 
niojc  j  not  to  fay  any  Thing  of  the  tranfient  but  ho- 
nourable mentio;i  many  others  have  had  in  the  Doc- 
tor's Trad^ates.  ,^' 

But  I  may  particularly  fpeak  of  the  Life  of  his 
Father,  Pi^bli Hied  in  the  Year  1724,  which  may  pafs 
for  an  Appendix  to  the  Magnalia  :  It  is  a  very  enter- 
taining Life  ;  was  well  received  in  Scotland,  and  in 
this  Country  ;  and  is  vrorthy  to  be  perus'd  by  evgry 
Man  of  Senfe;,  Honor,  and  Vertue. 

The  Doftor  has  given  to  the  World  a  Book  en- 
titled, 'Pf^kerlum  Americanim  ;  the  Defign  of  which 
was,  fii'ikj  to  give  /;;  M:etre  '^w  ^\?St  and  literal 

V^rfm 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather,  yi 

Verfion  of  the  Hebrew  Text;,  without  any  Jingle  of 
Words  at  the  End  ;  and  thcn^  at  the  End  of  each 
Pfalnij  to  produce  thofc  lUujhations  of  the  Text, 
and  thofc  ^;c;/^;  Hinrs  that  would  both  enlighten  the 
Mind,  zi\L\iva}in  the  Heart  of  the  Singer.  As  for  the 
lUiiJlratory  part^  no  Man  that  lias  any  Value  for  Di- 
yinc  KnowJege  can  find  fault  with  it  ;  and  as  for  the 
Metrical  \itx\xor\  (bine  prefer  it  vaftly  to  any  other; 
fur  as  on  one  hand  it  has  no  large  'Parafbrafe,  nor 
yet  any  'Diminution  of  the  Senfe  of  Davit),  fo 
on  the  other  it  has  no  Occafion  to  feledl  improper 
Ji  'orch  for  the  lake  of  a  Rhime. 

The  Dire  St  ions  for  a  Candidate  of  the  MiniJlrVy 
which  Dr.  Mather  has  printed,  has  occafioncd  fo 
niany  Letters  o(  :f hanks  and  Compliments ,  that  it 
would  fill  zt^olumne  to  recite  them.  And  indeed, 
(  J^uis  unquam  vitu^eravit  ?  )  Who  ever  faid  h 
word  againlt  it  > 

The  Doflor -s  Chrijlian  "Philofopher,  in  which  the 
learned  World  enjoys  *  a  rich  Treafure,  is  ^  celebrated 
Piece  :  An  ingenious  Gentleman  from  London  writes 
of  it '"  Ic  is  the  Glory  oj  New-England,  as  it  is  the 
Admiration  q/Old. 

Hrs  Ratio  Difciflin^e  Fratrum  Nov-Anglorur/Jy 
f  which  Title  he  borrow'd  from  Comem^ius,  )  h^s 
had  very  great  Encomiums.— One  of  the  mofuiinifh'd 
Gentlemen  and  Scholars  in  Americq^  one  who  was 
born  for  Government  over  Men  as  well  as  to  be 
a  Ruler  in  the  Common-wealth  of  Learning ^  abd 
one  who  is  Delictum  Hun^ani  Generis,  has  been 
pleasM  to  write  of  that  Book,  that  '  it  is  a  decent 
confifient  Method  of  Church-GovernmeHt  '\ 

Thus  I  have  writ  of  one  or  two  of  the  DocH-or'si 
Eooks,  which  produced  him  the  f^^reatcft-  Efieev' ; 
thefe  I  choic  tofpcak  of,  becaulc  they  were  compolcd 
V/ith  ilrong  Tho't  and  great  Appiiciticm. 


7^  The  Zife  of 

I  will  not  mentiorj  any  of  his  fmaller  Works 3  many 
pf  which  v/ere  never  deiign'd  jn  the  compofing  for 
ihe  'PrefSf  and  therefore  needed  not  thgt  gxtzt  Ace iL 
racy  as  if  they  had  i  And  it  was  phe  Dpftor's  fre- 
quent Wonder  th^  thofe  Compofures  he 'wrote  with 
the  kajl  Trouble  and  Care^  found  a  ^affage  into  the 
WorUf^  "johik  many  of  his  elaborate  Compofures  lay 
by  him, 

Bu-r  yet  in  and  by  tho^Q  fmaller  jBooks  (  which  he 
ever  modcltly  calPd  Effays  )  he  ihow'd  he  was  in 
Zabours  more  abundant  yhcd\£cover*d  the  great  Reach 
of  his  Tho*t  and  Compafs  of  his  Learnings  did  a  vail 
deal  of  Good  and  procured  the  Thanks  of  innume- 
rable. Many  of  thcle  have  hid  feveral  Editions  with 
Prefaces  from  Men  of  the  frjl  flank  in  the  learned 
World,  ' 

I  fhall  acquaint  my  Reader  with  two  or  t^ree  of 
thofe  (  Treatifes  or  rather  )  great  Performances^ 
which  he  left  behind  him  in  Manufcript. 

There  is  his  Angel  otf  Bethefda  :  a  Book  in 
which  under  every  'JDifeafe  there  are  proper^  religious, 
Chn^miSentiments  for  thofe  who  are  Sick  ;  and  then 
the  mod /imple  andeafy  Medicines  colledcd  from  his 
own  Knowledge  and  Ufe,  and  from  among  the  moft 
noted  Receipts  and  Experiments  in  learned  Writers. 
This  is  a  confiderable  Volumn,  artd  coit  the  Dodof 
many  Years  fludy  to   fill  and  embellilli  it. 

There  is  his  ^o-imerges^  or  Work  of  the  T^ ay  : 
A  large  Trtatife,  defign'd  for  the  promoting  an  U^ 
mon  amongft  ^P.rotejiants^  and  written  with  great 
Care,  long  Qbfervation,  hard  Study  and  a  laudable 
Charity, 

There  is  likewife  his  Triparadifuiy  which  was 
fent  to  Mr.  Wyat  Bookfeller  in  London  in  order  to 
'be  publifhed  :  Since  which  I  am  informed  the  ^ook- 
feller  is  deadj  and  know  not  what  is  become  pf  the 
Manufcript.  .  It  is  pity  it  fliould  be  loft  t  It  ll"^P'>v'd 
^  great  Acquaint3nceo^'itt^  ^Divine  ajid  Human  tear n- 


Br.  C0TTO14  Mather.  ^^ 

His  GoUathus  ^efruncatus,  had  as  fad  a  Fate. 
Thb  Book  was  written againft  Mr.  Whiston  :  The 
Defign  bf  itVas  to  Ihow,  that  moftof  the  Anteni- 
£ene  Fathers  were  orthodox  and  not  Arinn^  contrary 
to^that  learned  Man's  grofs  Miilake;  It  was"  written 
'mzviEpiftolary^2iy:  Dr.  Edwards  a  famous  Di- 
vine of  the  Church  of  England  was  bringing  it  into 
the  World,  and  |b;^d  written  a  Preface  to  it  ^  but,  Dn 
Edwards  dying  when  it  was  upori  the  brink  of  ap- 
pearing, the  fVork  was  bro^t  to  ^full  St9py  and  I 
;have  not  beard  where  |:hc  Letter  is  difjpoied  of. 

There  remains  but  one  more  to  be  treated  of; 
^nd  J'hat  is  a  Work  the  writing  of  which  is  enougji 
conftantly  to  employ  a  Man,  unlefs  he  be  a  Miracle 
of 'Uilli^ence  the  half  oi  tht'Threej  core  Tears  ^  T'eth 
which  is  the  Sum  of  Years  allowed  us.  I  mean,  his 
Jlluji rations  of  the  facred  Scripture.  The  Doftor, 
from  an  Hint  given  by  that  very  gfc^t  and  learnc4 
Man  my  Lord  Bacon,  begun  tjiis  Work  in  his  thirty 
firflYc2iXy  tho'  Heh^d  beib re /i;??^  Materials  for  it  by 
him  y  and  in  h\s  fifty  firji  Tear  fo  finifh'd  it,  as  to 
publiih  his  Proposals  for  printing  it,  intituled,  A 
pew  Ofer  to  the  Lovers  of  Religion  and  Learning. 
Ever  (ince  that  Time  to  his  2)eath,  he  was  adding  to 
jit  ;  fo  th^t  now  it  is  judged  to  htby  far  the  greatejt 
Amaffment  of  Lear tdng  that  has  ever  been  hro't  to- 
gether to  illuftrate  the  Oracles  of  GOD.  I  fhall  fay 
no  more  here  concerning  it ;  defigning  to  print  ^ro- 
pofals  for  it's  Pub]:ic»tion,  together  witn  which  I  Ihall 
give  a  faithful  Defcription  of  it.      *  "'^ ' 

5.  I  (hall  have  done  this  Chapter,  when  I  have 
writ  Dr.  Frankius's  Prefcription  which  Dr.  Ma- 
ther learnt  of  him  and  obferved,  that  is,  ^^  When 
f^  one  has  projeded  any  Thing  that  will  be  evidently 
^^  a  Service  totl^e  Kingdom  ofGoD,hefhould  goon, 
^^  with  a  lively  "Faith  in  Him  to  carry  him  thro^tho^ 
^/  at  the  p'ref^nt  he  may  have  but  little  Profpeftl  of 
^^  accomplilHng  his  Defigns  :  Gop  will  doubtlelb  do 
^'^  v,?ry  wonderfully  for  him  ". 

Chap, 


74  -?">^^  I^*f^  ^/ 

C  H  A  ?.     V. 

Foreign  Honours  f^i  (^orrffp.Qndcmn, 

Sect.  I.    Foreign  Honoulrs. 

I.  "■•^HE  wife  Man  fays, Prov.  XI  27.  He  ivM 
I  diligently  feeketh  Good  procuretb  Favor  : 
JU  which  Proverb  Dr.  Patrick  thus  para- 
phrafes,^'  He  that  from  the  Time  he  ri{es  ftudies 
**  nothing  but  how  to  do  Good  unto  others,  fhall 
^^  obtain  Favor  both  with  God  and  Man  ''.  Dodor 
IJIathea  knew  experimentally  the  Truth  of  this. 

2.  I  remember  the  famous  Zai^chv  in  hisOration^ 
"when  Rot  ANUS  was  made  a  Doaor,  fays;  —  .^uos 
3)£US  prior  promovity  quis  rejiciat  ?  ^uos  2)EiJS 
prior  eacellentibus  2)oms  vero  2)o5lore  dignis  e^ornaty 
^uii  fDoSiorum  Ornament  a  his  deneget  ?  And  the  fame 
may  befaid  concerning  Mr.  Mather  ;  When  he  was 
worthy  of  the  l}o6ioratey  why  fho\3ild  not  Ue  have  it  ? 

The  Renowned  Senate  of  the  Univeriity  cf  Glaf- 
gowy  fenfiblc  of  hi§  great  Merits,  in  the  Year  mdccx. 
prefented  him  with  a  2)oBor'5  'Degree ^  with  a  Diplo- 
tna  for  it^  and  the  great  Seal  of  the  Academy  ailx'd 
toco  it. 

Im  the  Diploma^  fpeaking  of  the  hjgheft  Academi- 
^1  Honor,  ^me  illuflrious  61?^^/^  fays';  Cum'  hoc  Ac- 
ademico  Honore  digniffmwn  cenfeam.us  Virum  Egre- 
giam  CoTTONUM  Matheb,  Evangelii  apud  Softoni- 
enfes  Aftgli<e  nov<e  Incoles  ^r(ecomm  celeherrimum. 
!De  cujtis  quippe  Yitds  Integritdte yingenio fPrudcntia ^ 
€t  facrarum  Liter  arum  Cognitioney  nobis  et  crhi  qui- 
dem  literato  confiet ;  Fama  Jitnuly  et  editis  ab  eo 
fcriptiSy  iftarum  Virtutum  *IeJlihus  lucule?itij]lmis  ; 
£um  Virum  cl.  Cottonum  Mather  DoBorali 
in  S.  S.  ^heologia  2)igni.tate  infipn^ndur.  judicavr^s 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather,  ^j 

Whe^  the  fDiphma  was  fent  unto  Dr.  Mather, 
the  mort  excellent  Vice-Chancellor  of  the  Univerfity 
wrote  very  kindly  to  him.  I  will  take  the  very  great 
Freedom  to  qupte  a  Paragraph  or  two  of  his  Letter  ; 
^^  The  high  Value  (  writes  he  ;  the  Univerfity  he»'c 
'*■  has  for  you,  I  hope,  you  will  no  longer  doubt, 
^'  when  I  tell  you,  they  have  confer'd  the  highell 
!*■  Academical  Degree  upon  You,  the  Doctorate  in 
^^  Divinity ;  "which  I  am  ferjuaded  is  hut  tmhat  you 
^^  deferve.  Be  pleafed  therefore  to  receive  your  !Zi/- 
^^  ploma^  which  could  not  be  fent  fooner,  in  regard 
^^  no  fuch  fure  Occ4fion  offered  until  now.  -  Sir,  I 
^^  Ihall  henceforth  reckon  you  under  a  nearer  Rela- 
'^  tion  to  this  Society,  and  as  one  of  us  '\ 

The  'Dean  of  the  Faculty  alfo  about  the  fame 
time  writes  thus:  ''  Upon  a  Motion  made  in  the  Fa- 
"  culty  of  this  Univerfity,  that  fome  Teftimony  be 
''  given  of  the  Senfe  we  have  of  your  Merit,  it  was 
"  unanimoully  agreed  unto,  that  theHonor  o[^o£ior 
f^  ofTiivinity  lliould  be  conferred  on  you.  And, 
^'  according  to  the  Power  they  have  by  their  Founda- 
^'  tion  Charter,  granted  fome  Hundreds  of  Years  ago, 
^^  They  have  {  difpenling  with  your  Ablence  )  created 
^'^  you  iJoEior  of  Divinity;  and  having  ordered  your 
f*^  Diploma  they  have  figned  it,  and  appended  the 
V  Univerfitics  greatSeaL  This  theirDced  is  as  valid^ 
f*"  as. any  Univerfity  in  Europe  can  make  it  '\ 

From  this  Tjme  Dr.  Mather  had  a  very  intimate 
Friendfhip  and  Correfpondence  with  feveral  Gentle- 
men of  that  Univerfity  :  He  heartily  lov'd  them  un- 
^o  his  Deaths  and  never  fpoke  of  them  but  withTerms 
of  the  greateft  Refpe(fl'. 

And,  as  the  very  leanied  Man  I  quoted  above  fays^ 
chat  t  the  Jttle  and  Oraamem  of  Do&or's  foould 

Jlimulate 

•j-  Vohis  cnvendum  efl,  ne  quod  n->n  imVis  c^yitingit^  con- 
lent  irn^ati  que  folo  Ihcioruv}  Titulojiudia mgligatis'^ 
fed  dcindii  potius  Opera,  ut  Tniilus  iRe,  Ormimentaq  5 
Po^Oium  nchts  fint  fiimuli  ad  diltgentuis  jiudsnium 
&  faciendum  p§cium,  ^^anchii  Orat  de  Digniiats 
Hudii  Thiolog, 


^if  'The  Life  of 

fiimuUte  them  to  an  indttjlrious  Studying  and  Doing 
their  2)utji  of  tjiis  podor  Mather  was  excedingly 

^edrous. 

». 

When  he  receive4  his  2)iflmay  he  immediately 
lookM  upob  It  ^s  an  Encouragement  unto  him  in  the 
Service  oFC HP.  1ST  and  His  Kingdom:  He  rendred 
Thank?  to  Heaven,  and  beg'd  Grace  to  make  fuch  an 
Improvement  of  the  Encouragement  as  might  anfwer 
the  pemands  of  Heaven  from  him :  And  he  fet  him- 
felf  to  confider,  Wha^  San^iity,  Wfiat  Gravity y  what 
Vfefulnefs^  what  ihining  Abilities  and  'Performances 
the  Church  of  God  might  juflly  demand  from  one 
fo  diftinguilhe^d  above  any  Man  in  ^he  American  Co- 
lonies. 

I  ftall  h^ve  done  with  this  Head,  when  I  have 
told  my  Reader  of  the  pious  Ufe  he  made  of  hisliihg. 

Some  of  the  Dodor's  Friends  advifed  him  to  wear 
his  Signet  Ring,  as  a  Token  and  Affertion  of  his 
tDo5f orate  in  Divinity ^  to  which  he  was  admitted  as 
above;  and  riot  to  do  it  from  any  Vanity  of  Orna- 
ment, but  out  of  Obedience  to  the  Fifth  Command- 
rnenty  which  direds  u$  to  affert  the  Ho;ior  of  any 
Dignity,  in  which  thp  P^rovidence  of  God  n^^ay  llation 
vs. 

Th»  DoAor  therefore  would  wear  this  Ring ; 
and  made  this  Action,  fo  feemingly  inconfiderable,  a 
great  Engine  of  Religipp. 

JF/'r/?,  He  loo\Cd  on  the  Ring  as  a  continual  Ad- 
monition to  him,  to  do  nothing  below  the  Charadier, 
of  which  that  was  ^  N{emorial  ,  nothi^ng  difagre^ble 
to  the  Gravity  the  i)ifcretion  zndfuferiour  ^Behavior 
with  which  a  Do^orate  ought  always  to  be  .attended. 

Secondly  J,  It  cfFecHrually  admonifhcd  him,  that  in 
his  Difcourfe  there  ihould  pais  nothing  ou,;  of  his" 
Lips  that  was  mean,  or  not  according  to  the  Laws  of 

Uiifdom^  Goo^nefs  ^m^  Oftf^l^jefs.      -  '•     '   ' 

'thirdly. 


i)r.  Cot  TON  Matm&r.  11 

*fhirdlyy  The  fight  of  the  Gold  frequently  ex- 
cited Wipes  and  'Prayers  in  him  of  this  Importance. 
May  lb  'Ve  the  Grace,  the  Gain  of  ivhlcb  is  better 
than  that  of  Gold  I  May  I  be  a  Son  ofZion  com^ar* 
Me  to  fine  Gold  I  And  on  ^zSignet — May  Ibe  fre- 
ferved  frotn  fo  provoking  the  holy  LOR'Dy  that  if  1 
'voere  a  Signet  on  his  Right-Hand j  He  would  fluck 
mg  thence  I 

Fourthly ,  One  Original  to  the  Cererhony  of  a 
Ring  for  !ZJo£fors  oftDivinity  was  to  intimate,  that 
they  fhould  be  ready  to  fet  their  Seal  to  the  Advice 
which  may  be  received  from  them.  The  Dodor  imj- 
proved  this  as  a  Caution  :  His  Advice  was  asked  ort 
many  Occafions  ;  he  would  be  very  conflderate,  and 
on  luch  Occafions  deliberate  and  look  up  to  Heaven, 
defiring  to  fpeak  nothing  but  what  he  fhould  be  will- 
ing to  Jeal  it  and  fland  to  it. 

Fifthly i  The  Emblem  oh  the  Dodor's  Signet  is 
A  Tree  with  Pfal.1.3.  written  under  it;  and  about 
it  GL  ASCU  A  RIGAVIT.    The  Caft  of  his  Eye  up« 

on  this,  conftaritly  provoked  him^to  pray,  Karot  S  y^ay, 
O   GOT>y  make  me  a  very  fruitful 'tree  y  and  h  elf 
'  me  to  bring  forth  feaf enable  Fruit  continually  ! 

9.  The  RefpcfV  which  tht  Royal  Society  m  ion- 
Jon  paid  him,  did  alfo  very  much  encoufage  hifn,  and 
fortify  him  in  his  Eflays  to  do  Good,  while  it  added 
to  the  fuperior  Circumflahces,in  which  he  was  placed 
above  the  Contempt  of  envious  Men. 

^Twas  in  the  Year  17 14.  he  received  a  Letter  from 
the  Secretary  of  the  Royal  Society y  [  Richarb 
Wallek,  Efq;  1  dated  'Decemb,  4.  1 719.  in  which  are 
thefe  Words  ^  jis  for  your  being  chofsn  a  Member  of 
the  Royal  Society y  that  has  been  done  both  by  the 
Council  and  ^ody  of  the  Society  :  only  the  Ceremony 
(fan  Admiffion  is  ^wanting  \  imbic^^  you  beingbeyond 
Sea,  cannot  be  ferformea. 

After 


j8  "the  Life  of 

A^tER  this  he  had  feveral  Letters  from  many  con- 
fiderable  Gentlemen  of  that  Society_,  who  always 
Superfcribed  their  Letters  to  him  as  F.  R.  S,  And 
he  was  alFured  by  feveral  of  them,  that  he  ought  to 
afRv  that  Title  to  his  Name  before  his  Wof ks  :  other- 
wife  he  would  never  have  done  it. 

But  there  are  a  few  in  Ne'vc-Mnglan^yV^ho;,  as  they 
grudg'd  the  Dodor  any  Hohor^  were  fo  very  foolilh 
and  impudent  as  to  doubt,  nay  to  deny  his  Right  unto 
that  Title  :  The  Reafon  they  gave  for  it  was ;  be- 
taufe  his  Name  was  not  in  the  Lift  of  the  Members  of 
that  Society  :  But  they  are  ignorant  of  it,  that,  altho* 
his  Majefty's  Subjeds  in  any  of  his  extended  Domini- 
ons may  be  a  Fe/low  of  the  Royal  Society,  they  may 
iiot  have  their  Names  in  the  Lift  of  the  Society  if  they 
are  abfcnt ;  which  is  the  onlyReafon  why  theDodlor's 
was  not.  Bat  if  it  be  faid,  there  are  the  Names  of 
feveral  ouilandifi  Gentlemen  in  the  Lift  ^  what  is 
this  to  the  purpofc  ?  They  are  Foreigners  and  are 
allow'd  this  Honor  becaufe  they  are  fo :  whereas  no 
Man  among  his  Majefty's  Subjeds  may  have  this  Fa- 
Vor,  unlefshebe  prcfentand  be  formally  adm.itted.— 
Several  Gentlemen  of  the  Society  wonder  at  the  Sta- 

Eidity  of  thofe  People  who  doubt  this,  and  in  their 
etters  exprefs  their  Amazement  at  it :  I  have  at  this 
Time  in  my  Hand,  Letters  from  Mr.  Waller,  Dr 
Chamberlain,  Dr.  Woodward,  Dr.  Jurin,  and 
others  who  give  Dr.  Mather  his  Titk,  and  exprefs' 
Concern  that  fome  fordid  People  hercsViW  not  allow  it. 

But  the  Doftor  was  very  eafy,  as  well  he  might ; 
for  i^ht  had  not  the  due  T///^  allowed  him,  he  defer- 
red it ;  as  his  Chriftian  ^hilcfaphery  his  Curicfa  A- 
fnericana,  or  Letters  to  the  Royal  Society,  together 
with  his  (  unprintcd  )  Angel  of  Ssthefda  zbunazntly 
tellify. 

4.  As  for  ^omeftic Honours  they  were  comparatively 
hxxtfmall ;  they  honored  not  the  Dodor  fo  much  as 
he  honored  tbsm. 

5.1 


Cr;  Cotton  MATHEii.  79 

»  , 

5.  I  know  not  hovfr  better  to  difmifs  this  Head 

than  with  a  pious  Tho't  which  the  Dodtor  had,  upon 

the  Honors  of  this  World,   and  a  Name  among  the 

Learned  of  the  World. 

There  is  (  he  tho't  )  an  accurfed  Idolatry  com- 
mitted, when  we  take  Notice  of  tlus  and  that  eonfi- 
derable  in  any  Man,znA  confider  not  at  the  fame  Time 
the  great  God  i%  the  Author  of  all  this  Excellency. 
3fan  ought  to  be  iook'd  on  as  nothing,  any  further 
than  what  God  makes  him  to  be  ;  fo  that  when  wc 
fee  any  thing  that  looks  great  and  good  in  any  Man^ 
it  muft  be  with  fenfible  AcknowlegementSi  that  aH 
comes  from  G  0  2). 

The  mod  of  Men  will  celebrate  the  Learning ^thc 
Vertue,  the  Condu6i  of  an  eminent  Perfon  without  the 
ieaft  Obfervation  of  our  Maker  in  all ;  much  lels  do 
they  give  all  the  Glory  of  all  to  God,  and  behold 
Man,  as  no  other  than  a  f^effel  chofen  by  the  Grace 
of  GO^j  to  exhibit  Omething  of  His  own  Glory  in 
the  Points  which  render  the  Man  obfervable. 

Dr.  Mather  therefore  trembled,  and  was  flU'd 
with  a  Ihuddering  Horror,  at  the  Tho'ts  of  having  a 
great  Name  in  the  World,  or  being  applauded,  ad- 
mired and  mightily  talk'd  of.  The  llealon  of  this 
Regret  was,  becaufe  he  tho't  thofe  that  fpoke  well  of 
flim^  would  not  have  the  Tiety  to  look  further  thaa 
him.  He  was  afraid  his  poor  Name  lliould  have  fa- 
crilcgioufly  lodg'd  upon  it,  feme  Regards  that  fliould 
be  transfer'd  to  the  glorious  God  alone.  Indeed  he 
was  fenfible,  there  would  be  no  Iniquity  charged  on 
Him  for  the  Sacrilege  into  which  others  fell  :  But  yet 
.  beheld  it  as  a  great  Infelicity  :  He  reckoned  himfelF 
unhai)py  in  being,  the  ObjeEi  upon  which .  any  fhouid 
finfully  terminate  their  Honors  and  Praifes  :  He  w<mr 
derfuUy'abhorred  it. 

He  rejoiced  in  it,  if  any  Lovers  of  GOD  faid  -,  ^he 
QOD  of  all  Grace  has  dif^ofed  tkiat  Servant  of  His 

29 


I, 


8«  The  Life  of 

to  do  vertuoujly  ;  or  the  Toiver  and  Wifdom  ofGb'H 
have  tarried  that  Servant  (?/  His  'well  thrd"  La^ 
Jfor%  and  Sufferings  \  This  was  all  the  Dodor  de- 
(ir'd  ^  this  \N  as  all  his  Ambitign. 


•ECT.    2. 


Foreign  Correfpondencies. 


would  be  tirefome  to  my  Reader  to  tell  whaii 
'orreffondents  the  Dodor  had  beyond  Sea  to^ 
gelFer  with  their  Ckara5iers,  All  therefore  I  Ihall 
lay  here  is,  that  he  had  a  very  numerous  and  extenjive 
Correfpcndence;  fo  that  I  have  known  him  at  one 
Time  to  have  above  ^fty  beyond  Sea  to  whom  he 
was  obliged  to  fpend  confiderable  Time  in  writing. 

2.  BuTj  altlio'  it  would  be  tedious  to  fpeak  of  all 
he  was  acquainted  with  by  Letters^  it  will  not  be  f?) 
to  name  a  few  noiv  Living  with  whom  the  Doctor 
accounted  himfelf  hiifpy  in  a  Correfpondence. 

I  have  fpoken  before  of  his  intimate  FriendfKip 
with  many  Gentlemen  of  the  Scotch  Nation  in  the 
facrcd  Order,  but  I  muft  by  no  means  forget  here  to 
acqOaint  the  World,  that  my  Lord  PoLLrL  a  Gentle- 
man of  great  Goodnefs,  Humanity  and  Religioif, 
was  plealed  often  to  remember  Him  :  I  need  not,  I 
fuppofe,  fay  any  Thing  more  r»f  ihat  Nation  ;  ribr 
any  Thing  of  his  Intimacy  with  feveral  Minif.ers  6f 
the  greatclt  Charader  m  England  &.  Ireland  :  'Tis 
well  known. 

The  very  great  and  good  my  lord  Chancellor 
King  will  not  be  angry,  if  I  pUblifhit,  that  he  has 
honored  my  Father  with  his  Letters. 

The  Author  ( if  we  are  notmiftaken  inthe  Author) 
of  the  Mifcellanea  Sacra  alfo,  (which  Dr.  Mather 
lookM  upon  as  an  ineftimable  uncommon  Trcafure  ) 
Will  not  take  it  amifs,  if  I  let  the  World  know  he  has, 
niatiy  Times  written  to  the  Doctor 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.  St 

Sir  Richard  Blackmore  likewife  very  fweetly 
tntertained  and  highly  gratified  the  Doctor  with  his 
Jblpijlks  as  well  as  his  prifited  Compol'urcs. 

ThoSe  learned  Mathematicians  and  Philofophers 
Mr.  Whistom  and  Dr.  Desaguliers,  have  written 
familiarly  to. him ,  and  with  Exprciliens  of  Love  and 
Honor  for  him. 

I  fhall  mention  but  one  morc^  who  is  I  fuppofe^  ycc 
living,  Mr.  Pillionere,  from  v»honi  he  had  feveral 
Letters:  And  by  the  way,  I  think  one  of  the  Do(5tor's 
Letters  to  him  is  printed  in  the  Occafwnal  Ta£er^  and 
is  called  a  Celebrated  Letter. 

To  go  a  little  flirther  from  Hornc  and  give  ah  Vn- 
llance  or  two  more  of  the  Doctor's  Correlpondencics  : 
From  the  Year  1712  to  his  Death,  he  had  a  free  Cor- 
refpondence  with  a  Gentleman,  at  GLiucba  near  Hall 
in  the  Lo-iver  Sasofn^  a  Gentleman  in  whom  I  know 
not  which  is  greatcft,  v^'hether  his  ihining  Goodnefs, 
fincere  uhafFe&ed  'Fifty  and  miraculous  Charity  ;  or 
elfe  hii  very  ^Q:reat  Learnhja;;  I  nican  Dr.  Francki- 
vs  ;  One  of  whofc  plca(ant  long  Letters  to  Dr.  Ma- 
ther is  printed  in  'Pi etas  Halle nfis. 

He  has  (by  Rcafon  of  that  Value  Dr.  Framckius 
had  for  him  )  had  alfo  Letters  from  the  iJanlp  MifTi^ 
cnarlei  TiX.T'rannuehnr  in  the  Eajl -Indies  \  and  not 
very  long  (ince  had  a  particular  Account  of  their  Pro- 
ceedings from  them. 

q.  Having  written  before  of  the  Rules  he  obfcrvcd 
as  in  other  Things,  in  his  Ccarefpoidenciej,  and  the 
T>efi^n  of  his  Cultivating:^  then-i ;  I  mufi:  here  abruptly 
break  off  this  Chapter,  and  proceed  to  another,  in 
which  you  will  lind  the  CQin^lcte  Cbrijllcn  and  his 
heavenly  Life. 


G  GiiAr 


gz  The  Life  of 

Chap.     VL 

An  Acccunt  cf  the  CbriJltJ/i  L'tje  and  PrdHkc  0} 
Fi€ty  cf  Dn  MATHER  ♦,  in  tohicb  thtn  is 
a  particular  Delineation  of  his  Devotions  and 
Afceticks^  together  zvitb  bis  Methods  in  ob/er- 
vtng  bis  private  Fa/is ^  Thanksgivings,  Vigih^ 
Scc.  la  which  Chapter  you  will  read  the 
Chriftian  ofthehighefi:  Rank. 


WITH  Devotion  and  Reverence  I  am  now 
to  write  of  the  Christian  :  Gradatim  ad 
Sydera  tollor :  I  choie  the  rather  to  coilc<ft 
fome  Olfervatlons  ^  ^raBices  of  Religion 
into  this  Chapter,  that  fo  thofe  who  are  ferioufly  dif- 
pofed  may  at  once  find  Exennpiars  to  copy  after. 

I  mull  confefs  I  have  no  great  Affection  for  the 
forc'd  Wit  in  Anagrams  and  the  like  ;  but  yet  I  can- 
not help  giving -you  one  made  by  a  pious  Friend  up- 
on the  Docflors  Name,  Cot  tonics  Mather  us  ; 
Anagn  \tu  Homo  ter  SanElui  ;  which  Anagram  I 
was  the  more  willing  to  recite  herc^  bccaufe  thisChap- 
ItT  h  to  be  the  flain  Bnglijb  as  well  as  'Proof  oi  it. 

L  Hii  chafing  ofGOD,  his  converfing  ivith  HIM 
his  Refigmng  unto  HIM  fjid  his  'Delight  in  HIM. 

I.  0^5  a  Day  of  Prayer  that  he  kept,  I  find  him 
affured  that  all  Controi^erfy  was  taken  away  between 
his  Maker  and  Him^  and  folemnly  renewing  and  fub- 
(cribing  this  Covcnant„ 

The    COFENANr. 

'  I  renounce  all  the  Canities  and  curfed  Idols  and 
^  evil  Courfes  of  this  World. 

'  I  engage^  That  I  will  ever  have  the  great  God. 
'^  my  bell  GooJj  my  laft  £nJ  and  xny  only  Lord. 

^  That 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.'  t^ 

•  ^  That  I  will  be  ever  readering  of  Acknowledge- 
'  ments  unto  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  all  the  He- 
^  lations  which  he  bears  u  ito  mc. 

''  That  I  will  ever  be  Scudying  what  is  my  Dut^r 
^  in  thefe  Things  ,  and  Ivherein  I  find  my  felf  to  f;ill 
^  fhortj  I  will  ever  make  it  my  Griej  and  my  Shame;, 
^  and  for  'Pardon  betake  wiy  lelf  to  the  Stood  of  the 
^  Ever  Lifting  Covefuint. 

^  Now  humbly  imploring  the  Grace  of  the  Medi- 
)  at  or  to  be  fufficient  for  vie^  I  do  as  a  further  So- 
'^  lemnity  fubfcribe  my  Name  with  both  Hand  and 
^  Hp>art  unto  thislnflrument  .' 

This  his  Covenant  he  frequently^,  ferioufly,  fo- 
lemnly  renewed^  and  found  his  Account  in  it. 

2.  Having  laid  this  Foundation^  he  tho't  it  his 
Duty  to  acquaint  himfelf  with  God,  to  rejign  him- 
felf  to  Him  and  to  delight  in  Him. 

CoNSiDEp.iNG  how,  whtTi  Creatures  take  them- 
felves  Wings,  while  AfBiftions  roll  in  upon  us ; 
^t would  be  therefore  Happinefs  to  converfe  with  God 
as  Alfufficient  and  to  take  Satisfadion  in  Him],  as  that 
Objeci,  that  will  make  up  the  Want  of  all  Things 
whatfoever. 

He  then  railed  a  ^ueftion^  ^  Hov/  can  I  take  my 
^  Comfort  in  the  Alfufficient  G  02)^  when  my  Intereu: 
*■  in  Him  is  uncertain  ?  Will  not  the  LopvP  frown  ori 
^  my  Prefumption,  and  fay^  I  have  reje6ied  thy  Con-. 
*■  fidences  ? 

He  anfwered  No.  For  he  laid  this  down  as  a  cer- 
Truth  j  that  an  Heart  enclined  to  converfe  withGoD;, 
as  the  Object  whofe  Jfi'fjiciency  makes  up  for  the 
want  of  all  Creatures,  is  a  mofl:  undoubted  Sign  of  ati 
Intereft  in  God  :  He  therefore  that  can-^o  fuch  a 
Thing;,  may  do  it  v»'ithout  any  Objeclion  and  iigainft 
every  Difcouragement. 

Reating  once  Mr.  Y>ox\.^^%  Seraphic  Love:,  and 
finding  fome  fublimeStrokes  upon  a  Man^'sRESicisjiNG 
up  him f  If,  arid  efpecially  his  Wtily  to  the  God  of 
Heaven  ;  he  refolved  he  would  fet  apart  a  Time  on 
f  lirpofe  to  give  iip  hi'rjfelf  and  hi.s  Will  nntb  the 
^^-  "..  Lop>rj; 


\ 


%4-  ^f^t  tift  of 

Lord,  and  fo  to  feck  a  ^Preparation  for  an  actual  arid  « 
entire  SuhtnifJioH  unto  Him  in  all  his  Concernments* 
Hedidfo.   ' 

In  his  Papers  I  lind  an  Addrefs  of  his  on  that  Occa- 
fion,  which  I  will  give  in  his  Words  as  fol]o\\  s. 

'  Most  glorious  Lord  !  Thou    hafi:  offered  l^hy 

*  felf  unto  thy  Creatures,  and  often  called  upon  them 
'  to  take  I'hei  for  their  GO  "D.  This,  This  is  that 
*■  which  I  am  willing,  I  am  defirous,  1  am  rcfolved 
'  this  Day  to  Aq.  I  take  'ru EE,  O  Lord,  to  be 
'  my  G  O  jD,  and  hence  I  take  thy  Glory  for  the  End 
^  unto  which  I  would  he  and  ll'je ;  I  take  the  En- 
'  joyment  of  THEE  for  my  great  and  fole  Hafpl- 
^  nefs ;  and,  which  is  the  peculiar  Thing  I  am  noW 
*■  aiming  at,  I  take  Tby  JVill  to  by  my  Will.  As  for 
*■  my  cwn  Willi  Lord,  I  find  it  blind y  foolifli, wicked, 

*  hurtful  ;  and  therefore  I  renounce,  rejed:  and  refign 
^  it;  and  fay  again,  LORD,  let  Thy  Will  be  7ny 
^  Will.  I  have  great  Concernments  ;  Concerns  as  to 
^  this  World  and  as  to  the  future  ;  They  arc  many 
'  and  w^eighty.  But  O  God,  Thou  art  the  only 
*~  nxnfe  God  ;  There  is  ferfe6l  Kno-ivled;^e  with 
^  THEE;  Th©v  art  of  great  To-iver  ;  Tl^  £//;- 
*■  derftandin;r  is  infinite  :  And,  in  that  fweet  Recon- 

*  ciler  of  God  and  Man  the  Lord  J&sus  Christ, 
^  Thou  art  wonderfully  njcrcifid  and  Gracious  unto 
^  them  that  draw  near  unto  Thee,  as  I  do  this  Day. 
*■  Unto  Thy   Wlfdom  and   Gcodnefs  I  commit   my 

*  Concernments  one  and  all.     I  caft  all  wi-  Cares  up- 

*  on  my  GO'D.  O  Thou  mod  ^xife  and  j^ood  God, 
'  I  refign  all  unto  Thee,  Is  it  not  Thy  Pleafurc 
'  that  1  fliould  fo  do  ?  It  is.  And  haft  Thou  not 
'  Pleafure  in  feeing  mc  do  fo  ?  THO  U  hafi.  I  then 
^  profefs  intlry  Prefence  ;  All  my  Concernments  are 
*■  put  into  Thy  Hands  awd  left  unto  Thy  Manage- 
^  f/fcnts  forever.  And  now  I  am  inconceivably  happy  ! 
'  TheLop.D  God  Almighty  v^'ill  perform  all  nin^s 
^  for  me,  and  all  Things  novv  Ihall  be  ••zte// performed . 
'  Whatever  now  befalls  me  v.ill  be  an  Effecft  of  the 
*■  greatjEHOvAn's  infinite [/7/Jo^7;  <Sc  6^c»oJ/?f/}.  And 
^  tho'  it  be  never  fo  really  crofs  to   my  Humor ,  and 

^  fccmingly 


Dr.  Cotton  Matheii.  8j 

;  feemingly  crofs  to  my  Welfare  yl  will  take  Content- 
*■'  nient  in  it ;  bccaule  1  will  now  look  \ip6n  k  as  the 
^  ff^ill  of  Him  that  is  infinitely  iiife  and  goo<rJ;  the 
^  JVill  of  Him  that  is  my  Frk'/iJ,  my  Father,  my 
*^  GoDj  the  /r/// of  Him  that  hath  undertaken  the 
^  Conduct  of  all  my  Atlairs  forever.  And,  O  my 
'  Soul^  O  my  J^/7/j  Remember  .Thou  after  this  never 
^  to  be  dillurbed  ^bout  future  iii'r/;r;j  and  always  to 
'^  approve  the  frefen:  jUeall/j^s  q(  the  Lord  \ 

Being  difpofed  and  refigned  as  I  have  written;  He 
jfonned  Refolutions  to  Delight  inGO'I)^  afcer  this 
Manner. 

^  I.  I  will  ever  ;;/(?zo^-?!r  over  the  Diftempcrs  of  my 
^  own  Heartj  which  enclinc  mc  to  take  an  iinchatl 
^  fort  oVDcli'rbt  in  Creatures^in  Idols,  in  Vanities. 

'  z.  I  wiU'i'/^y}  GOi^  for  thofe  ^fflicUons,  for 
*i  thofe  Difpcnfations  be  they  never  fo  dilireiiing,  by 
^  which  He  is  curing  thcfe  J^iforders  in  me. 

'3.1  will  always  account  my  felf  happy  in  the 
'  Favor  of  GO 'J)  i  altho' I  fhould  have  nO  Earthly 
^  Thing  to  give  me  any  SatisflcTrion, 

*■  4.  i  will  reckon  any  Opfortu^nries  for  my  being 
'  bro't  into  a  Co/iverfe  'Vith"G  O  '2)^  as  Treafiires  to 
^  be  pjrferred  above  all  Riches. 

^  5!  i"  will  never  be  any  othei*  than  in  a  refllcfs  jDif- 
^-  quiet  of  Soul  ^  luitil  I  find  all  my  Ends  to  be  entire- 
f  ly  fwallosied  up  in  the  Glury  oj  GOtD. 

*  6.  Iwill  reliih    all  my  Fjijoy^^ents  Qvcn   to   my 
-'  very  M^eat'zud  T)rink  m.ainly,  and  iff  can  weerly, 
'  under  thcNotion  of  my  beini^,  by  thcMii  aliiiled  in  the 
'  Knoii-kFj^e  or  \.\\k:' Service  of  Got). 

*■  7.  I  will  endeavor  to  be  continually  abounding  in 
'  the  7l?£?;^of  God";  nor  would  I  be  ordinarily  one 
^  waking  Quarter  of  an  Hour  wholly  deititute  of 
^  them. 

^  H.  It  fhall  be   my  Plcafure  to  wait  upon  Gon,  in 
'5  all  the  Ways  of  his  OTr/?.v'/),  in  whicli  1  may  have 
^  Communion  withHiM^  cipecially  in  frequent 'i^?rj;-- 
*  ers  unto  Him.  -    ■ 

^  Lou'dj  Alfift  me^  Accept  mCj  Dcligh.t  in  mc  \ 
G  5  '    'i.  'dv.c^ 


^6  ^^'e  Lije  of 

2.  CLOSING  'Xltb  CHRIST,  Accepting  H IS 
Right eoufnefss  Loving  HIS  Glory ^  and  Living  by 
Faith  in  HIM. 

I.  I  find  him  one  D^y  thus  renewing  his  Clofure 
with  the  Lord  Jesus. 

He  confidered  that  God  had  offered  Christ  unto 
him ;  altho'  he  was  a  fmful  and  wretched  Creature^ 
and  becatife  he  was  fo  :  And  therefore  it  was  his  Duty 
to  take  Him. 

He  then  examined^  whether  there  was  no  Referve, 
that  might  herein  prove  deflruflive  to  his  Soul.  He 
fought  unto  the  Lord,  that  HE  would  fearcb  him, 
try  him,  fee  whether  there  were  any  ivay  of  Wicked- 
nefs  in  him.  He  found  the  Things,  of  which  he  had 
iTiofl  Reafon  to  be  jealous  were  Worldly  Honors  and 
Carnal  Tkafures  j  and  therefore  he  thus  renounced, 
them, 

'  Lord,  I  give  rny  Name  unto  Thee  ;  If  Thou 
*"  wilt  have  it  reproached,  I  am  content :  Only  give 
^  me  thy  CHRIST,  and  I  fhall  be  fatisfied.  Yea,  I 
^  will  leek  the  Honor  of  Tty  Name,  whether  the 
*  Honor  of  my  cucn  be  advantaged  or  prejudiced  by 
'  my  doing  fo. 

'  LORD,  if  any  of  my  Delights  are  Jinfitl,  or  as 
^  far  as  they  are  fmful  I  utterly  forego  them,  and  be- 
*^  feech  THEE  to  make  me  abhor  them :  JESUS 
^  CHRIST  my  LORD  is  better  to  me  than  any  of 
*■  them,  than  all  of  them.  If  they  are  la'-jofulj  yet 
'  will  I  leave  them,  when  either  the  Command  or  the 
5  Glory  of  my  LORD  calls  me  another  way. 

And  he  added,  ^  Now  I  believe  the  LORD  is 
^  'nine  and  I  am  His :  He  will  carry  on  his  Kingdom 
^  in  my  Soul  in  fpite  ofall  Oppofitions  whatfoever: 
<^,  1  leave  all  the  weighty  Affairs  of  it  with  Him  for 
^  ever  and  ever. 

In  Profecution  of  thi^  AdVion  of  Clofing  'with 
CHRIST,  no  Man  or  Book  fhow'd  him  the  way; 
but  he  tho't  the  HOLY  SPIRIT  was  his  Teacher^ 
and  that  by  Htm  he  was  led  on  to  the  mofl  explicit 
Procedure  m  it. 

In 


Df.  CoTTOi^  Mather.  8-, 

In  a  diftercnt  Day  from  the  former,  I  perceive  that 
^c  ufed  fuch  Words  as  thcfe  befure  his  KEDEF- 
MER. 

'  O  my  dear  LORD;  ThypATHER  has  committed 
*  my  Soul  into  Thy  Hands :  There  is  a  Cove^iant  cf 
^  Redemption  in  which  I  am  concerned  :  I  know  my 
^  EleBion  by  my  Vocation,  and  my  Concernment  in 
^  that  Covenant y  by  my  being  made  willing  to  come 
'  under  the  Shadow  of  thy  Wings  in  the  Covenant  cf 
^  Grace,  Now  in  that  ancient  Co^je^iant  x\\^  FatmeBs 
^  faid  unto  the  Son,  Smh  a  Soul  there,  is  that  I  '"jciil 
*"  bring  into  thy  Foldy  and  "JChou  p.: alt  undertake  for 
^  that  Souly  as  afitfficient  and  an  eternals  ApyoU'R. 
^  Wherefore  I  am  now  in  thy  Hands,  O  niy  LORD  : 
^  Thy  Father  has  put  me  there,and  I  have  put  my 
'  fclf  there  ;  O  fave  mc,  heal  me,  worlc  for  me  and 
^  ia  me  the  good  Pleafure  of  thy'  Goodnefs. 

And  a  little  after  I  read  as  follows ; 

^  LORD,  I  haye  been  leaving  my  Soiil  with  my 
•^  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST;  and  Thou. haft  bid  me 
^  to  believe  I  fhall  be  laved  by  Him.  LORD,  I  do 
^  believe  that  there  never  came  a  miferable  Soul  unto 
'  CHRIST  in  vain,  and  I  believe  that  1  my  fclf  Ihall 
^  not  find  it  in  vain.  He  v\'iil  do  ^trreat  'JThings  for 
'  me.  He  has  done  enow  already  to  leave  me  with- 
^  out  any  Caufe  of  Repenting  that  1  have  with,  fo 
^  much  Agony  of  Soul  come,  unto  Him.  But  I  bc-^ 
^  Uevey  that  he  hath  more  frill  to  do  for  me.  Having 
'  been  the  Author  he  will  be  the  Flnijber  of  my 
*.  Faith  '. 

2.  One  fpeclai  Chara^erupon. the  Experiences  o^ 
his  Life,  was  the  groat  and  clear  Application^  he  had 
made  unto  the  Right  eoufnefs  of  C  U  R  I  Si'  for  his 
Jufiification  before  the  Holy  GOD. 

Icannot  well  entertain  my  Readers  with  an  Article 
of  more  Importance  than  this;  i  v»ill  tlu^rclore  tiiin' 
icribe  a  few  feleH  ^ajjages  from  his  Memorials, 
which  are  worthy  of  a  mjre  tlian  ordin.^ry  Coalidcra- 
tlon  and  AttentioiL  Ci  t  'At 


8S  '     "  I'he  Life  of 

A*  one  Time  he  writes  thus ; 

^  In  the  former  Part  of  this  Day,  I  humbled  myfelf 
<  before  the  LORD  with  inexprellible  Agony  of  Soul 
^  for  all  the  hikhinefs  of  my  Heart  and  Life  :  I  did 
*"  with  Tears  bewail  my  fmfulnefs  before  the  LORD  : 
^  and  fubmitting  my  felf  unto  the  Divine  Sovereignty , 
^  which  might  uncontrolably  make  me  a  Vefj'el  of 
^  2)iponour  and  an  Inftance  of  Confufion  :  I  further 
'  acknowledged  that  the  Divine  Righteoufnefs  added 
^  to  Sovereignty  had  farther  Advantages  to  piocccd 

*  againft  me,  and  make  me  a  dreadful  Monument  of 
^  ^JJivine  2)if^kdjure. 

'  While  I  was  in  the  midft  of  my  difconfolate  Re- 
f  flections,  theSi^iRiT  of  the  LORD  caufcd  me  to 

*  behold  the  Obedience y  the  Sacrifice  and  the  Siiretr- 

*  pip  of  my  precious  REDEEMER,  as  provided  by 
^  the  FATHER  for  the  Relief  of  my  Diflrefles :  And 

*  that  good  SPIRIT  caufcd  me  to  rely  upon  it  :  So 
'^  that  I  faid  with  Tears  of  Joy  before  the  LORD ; 
•^  Noit'  J  kno'uo  that  all  my  Debts  are  paid ;  my  GOTi 

*  ivill  now  make  no  !Dcmand  of  me,  but  that  I  kve. 
^  HIM  and  prat fe  HI  My  and  glorify  mybkffed 
^  S  A  VIOU R  for  ever.  I  know  it !  /  'kno-jc  it  I 
'^  And  fwiv  I  ivill  do  fo  forever  i     I  can  do  no  other. 

Kr  another  Time  ; 

^  I  experienced  an  unipeakable  Satisfatfliou  of  Seal 
'^  this  Day,  when  taking  part  with  the  LORD  againft 
^  my  Self  I  approved  all  tilsZaivs,  and  abhor'd  my 

*  felf  on  the  fcore  of  my  Contrariety  to  them  and  Vi- 
'  olation  of  them  ;  and  I  juftified  all  the  Chaftifc- 
^  ments  that  had  therefore  befallen  me  :  And  then 
^  with  a  ravilhed  Soul,  I  felt  the  LORD  alluriiig 
^  me  that  His  free  Grace  would  impute  unto  me  the 
'  Rightcoufnefs  ofCHRIS'T,  and  at  the  fame  Time 
^'  ir/iprint  .upon  me  an  holy  Difpofition  to  conform 
'  unto  thiu  Rigbteoif/fcJ]  in  my  ovviv  Heg:t  &  Life. 


Dr.  CoTTp^5  Mai'her.  Sf 

At  another  thus ; 

'  This  Day  my  Spirit  was  exceedingly  diftreffcd 
^  at  the  View  of  my  own  manifold  prefent  and  former 
^  VileneffeSy  which  I  bitterly  bewailed  before  GOD, 
—  But  1  find  his  Humiliations  concluded  thus  ,* 

'  --And  yet  after  all  this,  7  do  ^Believ^,  LORD 
^  Help  fuy  Ufibe.liefl  I    'Bekeve,    that    my    precious 

*  SAVIOUR  our  Immanuel  hath  fully  obeyed  and 

*  fufiered  Thy  Will,  as  a  Surety  in  the  Room  of  Sin- 
*'  ners.  I  Sekeve^  that  the  Rtghteoufnefs  of  this  our 
'  Surety  is  oftercd  unto  my  Acceptance,  that  for  the 
^  fake  of  it  1  may  become  accepted  with  GOD  1 
^  :Bekevey    that  whenever  Thou  doil  enable  mc  to 

*  rely  upon  chisjR/2;^r<?i^i^i/^jTHou  doft  immediately 
^  ahfolvc  me  from  all  my  Guiltinefs  and  pronounce 
^  mc  a  dear  SoUy  a  pkafant  Cbild,  upon  ^xhom 
'  Thou  -ivik fur ely  have  Afercy.  And  USekeve th;it 
^  the  Greatnefs  of  my  Sins  docs  nothing  to  render 
^  me  uncapable  of  this  h'ee  and  rich  Grace  o^  Heaven. 
^  Q  my  GOD,  in  this  'Belief  I  calt  my  felf  at  the 
T  Feet  of  Jesus  Christ  :  !77;^r^  will  I  ly  waiting, 
^  looking,  affurcd  to  receive  thy  Favors.  "  Thus 
this  Cbild  of  Abraham  jRekeved^  and  it  '•juas 
counted  to  bivifor  Ri^Ijteo?tf7iefu 

3.  Ir  was  the  Henven  oFthe  Docfifor's  Snul^^  This 
he  chofe  and  beg'd,  to  be  made  an  Inftrument  of  ex- 
hibitiH^r  thi  Glory  of  CHR  1ST  unto  His  People^ 
of  inviting  and  inducing  others  to  glorify  Him. 

He  received  a  Letter  once,  a  fhort  Letter  from  a 
very  Religious  Man,  which  had  this   Palfage  in  it. 

"■'  'Vou'l  pardon  my  troubling  you  with  a  Line  or 
two  to  thank  you  fur  your  ]\[afchily  [  tbefitk  (fa 
liook  the  DoEior  had  publijhed,  ~|  which  I  think 
may  be  called  AliUavi,  as  well  is  Mafcijil.  You 
help  me  to  this  Tho't;  How  full  of  Excellency  is 
the. glorified  Man  the  Loivo  JESUS  CHRIST; 


^  ^he  Life  cf 

^  if  by  His  Roly  Spirit  He  (o  fills  c«£  of  His  Ad- 
'^  mircrs,  that  He  is  enabled  to  fill  a  iiook  with  fuch 

*  excellent  Things !  " 

*Tis  impoffible  toexprels  thefatisfii6tion  of  Soul^ 
•yshich  the  fight  of  this  Paflage  raifcd  in  the  Doctor. 
That  holy  ones,  whofe  Hearts  arefet  upon  glorifying 
Jesus  Christ,  fhould  by  any  Thing  of  CHRIST  iiv 
Him,  be  led  into  the  Contemplation  of  His  Glories ! 
This,  This  He  looked  upon  as  the  highefl  Pitch  of 
Ms  Felicity  :  He  tho't  ot,  he  afpircd  unto  nothing 
higher  than  this  throughout  Eternal  Ages.  It  ra- 
•^.iihed  him,  when  he  faw  the  good  GOD  beginning 
fa  grant  him  this  Felicity.  He  defpifed  the  Diadems 
©f  Emperors  in  Comparifon  with  it ;  and  cried  out 
with  a  Rapture,  greater  than  that  of  Archmedes. 
I  a-r.-  happy  !  I  am  happy  !  LO  R2);,  I  am  fivallo-wed. 
up  'xith  the  Ei^tafies  of  'Thy  Love ! 

4.  I  fhall  recite  fbme  very  fingular  Methods  of  hii. 
maintaining  a  Life  by  the  Faith  of  the  SON  of  GOD  : 
and,  becaufe  it  is  impoffible  to  ufe  Words  more  ex- 
preflive  and  weighty,  I  fhall  chufe  rather  to  producer 
the  Dodtor's  own  Words  thnn  my  own. 

^  Having  entertained  aright  and  clear  Appre- 
^  henfion  of  my  great  Saviour  ;  and  His  glorious. 
■^  Perfon,  as  the  Eternal  Son  of  God  incarnate  and 
^  inthroned  in  my  JESUS  being  fomewhatunderfl-ood 
'^.  with  me  :  and  beholding  the  Infinite  GOl^  as  com- 
'^  ing  to  me  and  meeting  with  me  in  this  blelled  Afc- 
"^  diator  ;  The  Thot^s  of  Him  are  become  exceeding 
"^  frequent  with  me.  I  count  it  a  Fault,  if  my  Mind 
"^  be  many  Minutes  together  without  fomc  Thoughts 
"  that  have  in  them  a  Tindlure  of  Piety  :  But  I  have 
^  learnt  the  Way  of  interefling  my  SAVIOUR   ia 

*  theTho'ts:     And  I  feel  an  Impatience  raifed  in. 

*  me,  if  I  have  been  many  Minutes  without  (bme 
'  Tho^ts  of  Him.    I  fly  to  Him  on  multitudes  of  Oc- 

*  fions  every  Day,  and  am  impatient  if  many  Minutes 

*  have  paffed  without  fpme  Rr-'courfe  tp-Him. 

Eves 


Dr  Cotton  Mather,  91 

^  Ever  now  and  then  I  bciiow  a  Rebuke  upon 
^  my  fclf,  W^y  have  I  been  fo  lon^r  -without June 
f  7^/00' ts  on  my  lovely  SAVIOUR  >  How  can  I 
^'  bear  to  keep  at  affy  iDifhuice  from  HIM  ?  I  thea 
^  look  up  to  my  SAVIOUR  ;  Q  my  dear  SA  VI- 
^.  OUR,  T>razv  near  unto  me  :  Oh  :  Come  donn  to 
^  d'weUinmy  Soul^  afid  help  me  to  form  feme  ^hoUi 
^  wherein  If  jail  enjoy  Thke  ! 


^  Upon  this  I  fet  my  felf  to  form  Tome  Tho'ts  on- 
'  my  moft  amiable  Saviour,  His  G/(?r/>i,  His  il/b- 
'  ritSy  His  'Pattern^  His  Afaxims,  what  He  has 
'  done,  and  what  ITe  'ivill  do  for  us.  I  find  the 
*"  Subjed  infinitely  inexhauHible.-—  ^nd  after  I  have 
*"  been  in  the  2Jay  thus  employed^  I  fall  alleep  at 
^  A^i/^^r  perpetually  in  the  midll  of  fome  Meditation 
^  on  the  Glory  o(  my  Saviour  ;  ufually  on  a  Scrip  - 
*;  ture  where  that  Glory  is  mentioned.  So  I  Sleep'^in 
'  yESUSl  And  when  I  wake  in  the  Nighty  1  do 
^  on  my  'Bed  feek  Him  that  my  Soul  docs  Love  :  St  ill 
^  in  the  Nlo^ht  the  'Dsfires  of  my  Soul  carry  me  to 
^  Him  in  Tho'to  on  the  Subjed  which  1  fell  allcep. 
^.  with. 

^  I  find  that  where  CHRIST  comes,  a  wondroiu 
^  Light,  IJfe?ind  -Peace  comes  witli  Him,  together' 
*"  with  a  Strength  to  go  thro'  Services  and  Sutfcrings. 
*■  The  Holincfs^Lwd  Happiuefs  to  which  I  am  intro- 
^  duced  by  this  Way  of  Living,  'tis  better  to  me  than 
'  all  the  Enjoiments  of  this  World.  All  the  Rirlr^^i 
^  of  this  World  appear  contemptible  Things  unto  liie, 
^  while  I  have  the  Zv^^^^^rr/M^/e  i^/^fe  ofCHRIS'f 
^  thus  bro't  into  my  Poflefiion.  And  all  the  Glory  of 
*■  this  V/orld  vv^ould  not  encline  me  to  forego  this 
^  way  of  Living. 

'  NOPF,  O  my  dear  JESUS,  Ikno^v,  I  haz^e 
'^  an  internal  Witnefs,  that  THOU  art  the  SON 
f  vfG  O  2)  and  the  SAVJO  UR  of  the  World. 

^  Concerning  this  Matter  I  have  had  aContem- 
*"  plation  which  had  a  m.oft  melting  Efficacy  on  me. 

^  WasN. 


51^  ^he  Life  of 

^  When   the  Cloud  of  Ghry,  which  was  the  She- 

*  cHiMAH  that  had  our  SAVIOUR  vrith  the -/^/;- 
^  ^f/i  of  bis  ^refsnce  dwelling  in  it,  came  down  and 
^  filled  the  "temple  of  old;,  what  a  grateful  Sfecfade 
*"  was  it,  and  what  Acclamations  did  it  raife  in  the 
'  Spefetors  ?  A  godly  Man  is  ^Temple  of  Go.d  j'  a 
'  ll'vptg  temple  ;  dearer  to  Him  than  any  Temple  of 
*"  mere  Matter,  tho'  the  moll  fplcndid  and  coftly  in 
'  the  World.  *And  our  Sa-vioitr  comes  into  an 
*"  Heart  which  is  continually  inflTU(^ing,  reforming 
^  and  folacing  it  felf  by  thinking  on  Him,  O 
'  Heart  panting  after  thy  Saviour  ;  fo  kind  is  He^ 
'  fo  very  kind,  that  even  at  the  Call  of  a,  tho't  He 
^  will  come  in  vuito  Thee  !  A  temple  fo  filled  with 
^  the  Glory  of  the  LORD  is  unfeen  to  the   ifanders 

*  by,  to  Flep  and  !B loo (■!.-—  The  Life  of  the  pious 
^  Man  is  hid  -jcith  CUR  IS  t  in  GOD  -.  It  is  an 
*■  hidden  Life,  But  God  {t^%  the  Temple  with 
*■  Pleafure.  The  Saviour,  who  kno^jceth  ail  things 
*■  is  pleafed  with  the  fight.  His  Angels  make  theij? 
^  Acclamations  upon  it. 

*"  But  that  I  may  let  this  important  Matter,  yet 
^  in  «  fuller  Light  I  fhall  be  more  punctual   and  par- 

*  ticular  in  my  Account. 

«^  Ij  behold  the  Infinite  GOD  in  His  Eternal  SON 
'  affuming  the  Man  Jesus„  into  fuch  an  intimate  and 

*  confcious  Union  with  Him.,  that  in  my  Saviour 
^  I  now  fee  a  God-Man,  and  a  Man,  who  has  ihs 
*^  Fulnefs  of  the  GOD-HMA'D  perfonally  dwelling 
'  in  Him. 

'  In  this  God-Man  I  behold  all  poffible  Provi- 
'  flon  for  the  happy  Return  of  j/^/?  unto  God,  and 
*■  all  poffible  Encouragement  unto  Man  tofeek  and 
^_  look  for  luch  an  Happinefs. 

'  As  this  my  SAVIOUR  is  very  GOD3  and.  my 
^  Hope  and  J^oy  in  Him  is  all  animated  from  that 
^  Confidcration ;  fo,  being  one  GOD  with  the  FA- 
*^  THER  and  SPIRIT^  who  thro'  Him  communicate 

*  them- 


Dr.  CotTOia^MAT^^iER.  ^* 

^-  thcmfe'ves  to  me,  I  confider  my  felf  as  coming  to 
*^  GOD  in  Him  and  converling  with  the  whole  Gob- 
<^  Head  in  my  more  immediately  tavingtodQwith 

*^  The  firft  Thing  I  do,  is  to  accept  the  Offers 
^  which  this  wonderful  Saviour  makes  to  me  of  be- 
*"  ing  min^  and  bringing  mc  to  GOD.  I  hear  Him 
^  gracioufly  offering  to  make  me  Righteous  6c  Holy, 
*■'  reconcile  me  to  GOD,  quicken  me  to  Live  Unto 
^  Him,  -and  wot'k  in  me  that  ivhicb  pallbe  ivdl-pka- 
^  fi'K^  before  Him.  I  feel  Him  To  apprehending  of 
^  me  that  He  difpofes  and  enables  m*^  to  give  an 
'  hearty,  joyful,  thankful  Confent  unto  thefe  ^ro- 
*■  fofals  of  Grace 'y  and  in  contenting  to  them,  I  cnter- 
*  tain  a  comfortable  'Perfwafion  of  my  kind  Rcoep- 
'^  tioii  with  Him  ;  I  think  it  my  Duty  to  be  *weii 
^  perfuaded-^  that  He  imll  furely  do  me  Gmd. 

'^  And  now  what  remains  is^tkat  as  l-ivorflipGO'D 
^  in  the  Spirit, ^olm^iy  rejciccin  CHRIST yESUS. 


'  Wherefore  in  the  firfl  Place  I  ask  it  of  tlic 
•^  glorious  GOD  with  the  Importunity;,  that  having 
^  CHRIST  concerned  tor  mc,  I  may  alfo  have  Him 
*■  poffejfino^  of  me  ;  That  I  may  have  Skill,  Will  and 
^.Hclp  from  Heaven  to  ronverfe  v.ith  Him  coxiti- 
^  nually  ;  That  I  may  be  {^o  \\t\\  of  it  as  to  keep  con- 
^  tinuaily  calhngHiM  into  n'\y  '/'/jGUfrJjt^,  and  feeding 
^  upon  Him.  I  have  declared  unto  the  LORD, 
^  that  if  He  would  grant  me  this  Felicity,  I  cared 
^  not  what  befel  me  ;  1  am  willing  and  ready  to  en- 
"^  connccr  any  Thing  that  He   Ihall  pleafe  to   order 

for  me. 

^  My  Life  is  full  o^ Sacrifices  :  But  that  which  car- 
'  ries  me  -well  thro'  them  all  is  this  Consideration  ; 
^  That/r/'/Vf  T/Mve  CHRISTj have  enough  ;  lean 

rejoyce  in  Him  \vhile  I  have  nothing  elfe  left  umo 

me  : 

^  By  tkefaithfulDifpenfationsof  GOD  I  have  beeti 

brought  to  this.  That  I  feci  my  ielf  dead  unto  all 
I  Crearures.    I  have  employed  tlie  Sacrificing  Stroke 

^  upon 


>4  The  Life  ef 

^  upon  all  my  Enjoyments.  My  ie^keahlenefs  V« 
^  the  Kingdom  of  my  SAVIOUR  was  the  hfi  Thing 

*  that  in  my  Tieath  to  all  Things  here  lelow  I  parted 
^  with  ;  The  Thing  which    I  could  leafi  of  all  part 

*  with  :  But  this  jbarlingy  which  I  would  fain  have 

*  had  faved  from  the  ^Power  of  the  T>ogy  I  have  alfo 

*  Sacrificed.  I  haVe  fubmitted  Unto  it  that  the  Ever- 
<■  Blefied  ONE  Ihould  not  only  makfe  me  vile  among 
*■  His  People,  but  alfo  utterly  lay  me  aCde  from  do- 
'•'  ing  any  more  Services  for  Bis  Kingdom  in  the 
^  World.  --  I  have  been  entirely  dead  unto  every 
*■  Thing  elfe,  and  have  had   nothing  but    this  one 

*  T'hing  left  unto  me,  T^hat  I  way  have  my  JESUS 
'  not  C7jly  doing  for  me^  hut  alfo  dwelling  /;;  Yne']^ 
'  and  enabling  me  ferfetually  to  feed  and  live  up^u 
^  Him.     This  will  be  enough.     I  care  not  if  lam 

*  Uript  of  every  Thing  elfe,  if  I  may  but  enjoy  this 
^  Felicity. 

*■  In  purfuance  of  this  Felicity^,  'tis  not  cafy  for 
^  me  to  delineate  cr  enumerate  the  Methods  of  Con- 

*  'verfing  ni'irh  my  only  SJVJOUR,  wherein  I  have 

*  been  inHrucTred  of  GOD.  And  it  is  impoflible  for 
^  me  to  e^-prefs  the  Sati^faBion  that  irradiates  and  re- 
'  plenifhcs  my  Mmd  upon  the  Difcoveries  of  any  ne^j^ 

*  Methods  for  it.     No  Affluence    of   any  Worldly 

*  Wealth-^  noj  nor  any  Advances  in  any  Sciences 
*"  could  fo  tranfport  and  ravifh  me  / 

*  T  H  E  BlefTedncfs  of  the  Heavenly  World  lies  in 
*■  our  being  nvith  C H  R  IST^;  and  ^by  being  ^with 
'  the  LO  RT>,  2.ViAbebQldi)-g  His  Glory  in  precious 
'  Thoughts  of  Him  here,  I  apprehend  my  felfeven 
^  in  Heaven  iitcn  Earth  :  And  indeed  the  Light  and 

*  (Peace y  the  Joy ,  Strength  and  Purity  with  which 
*■  it  fills  m.y  Ivlind  carries  a  Fa  craft  and  Earneft  of 
^  Heaven  in  it. 

*■  I  foar  up  to  an  inexprelTible  Contemplation  on 
"^  my  SAVIOUR,  as  the  Wijdcm  of  GO'D,  who  is 
'  the  Archetype  of  the  whole  Creation^  and  in  whom 
^  there  are  the  original   Ideas  of  all  that  is  produced 


Dr.  Cotton  MATHiifi.  ^^ 

^  by  His  Hands  in  the  Woridj  even  that  Platform 
^  and  SubfidHce^  of  which  all  Creatures  arc  but  the 
^  Jj]ues  and  the  Skadoivs. 

^  I  am  hence  wot^oufly  reconciled  unto  my  ap- 
^  preaching  'Death,  inafmuch  as  going  from  Creatures 
'  here,  I  go   to  Him  in   whom  I  Ihall  find  all  that 

*  I  leave  and  infinitely  more. 

'  In  the  mean  Time  I  am  fure,  that  whatever  I  fin^ 
^  amiable  or  comfortable  in  zny Creatures  here^  is  muck 
^  more  to  be  found  in  Him. 

*■  Hence  when  I  fee  any  Thing  that  is  amiable  rfi 
^  any  CrcatureS:,  I  commonly  fly  away  from  them  to 

*  my  Saviour  and  think^  Ho-w  great  is  His  Good- 
^  ncfs  and  his  Seauty  1 

'  When  I  find  any  Thing  that  is  comfortable  m 
'  any  Creatures^  I  commonly  hallen  away  unto  my 
^  Saviour,  and  think.  What  benefits  ivillflow  frain 
^  Him  to  me? 

^  Upon  the  'withdraw  of  ^ny  Creatures ^  or 'i^htn 
^  any  defireable  Enjoyments  are  witheld  or  tak<:n  from 

*  me^  I  think 5  What  is  it  that  would  recommend  thefs 

*  Things  unto  me  ?  And  I  prelently  find  my  Sa- 
*"  viouR  commended  unto  me  by  iuchand  more  dc- 

*  fireable  Qualities.  In  his  being  mine  I  find  every 
^  Lofs  repaired  abundantly  I  Dead  unto  every  Thing 
^  but  my  Saviour^  I  thus  exprefs  my  Sentimeucs  i 

^  For  the  Delights  of  this  World. —   Such   De- 
'^  lights  as  I  tail  in  the  mere  Tendencies  of  Nature ^ 
^  I  would  in  the  Tafle  ot  them  think.  The  Will  of 
^  GOD^  esfrejfed  ih  the  Nature  of  His  Works  is  thus 

*  complied  with.  Sut^Oh^  What  Jb  all  I  find  in  the 
^  Infinite  GOD  Himfelf  upon  my  going  back  unto 
*^  Him  ! —  Thole  Delights  vvhLch  are  moil  helpful 
^  to  mc  in  feeing  and  ferving  of  GOD  are  thofe 
*■  which  I  would  have  the  moll  Value  for  :  And  even 
f  my  appetites  for  my  Food  particularly  Ihall  be  lb 

^  regulated.— 


S0  ^he  Life  of 

^  regulated. —  But  I  know  of  no  iZ)f;V^/;n  coiVipara- 
^  ble  to  thofe  which  I  take  in  Communion  w'rh  my 
'  SAVIOUR. 

^  For  the  Riches  of  this  World. —  I  ufe  no  Lahore 
^  I  have  no  T>efire  to  obtain  temporal  Riches  :  Thcy 
*"  appear  to  me  very  contemptible.  My  Riches  are 
*■  my  Opportunities  to  do  Good,  and  thole  lllumina- 
^  tions  of  my  Mind  which  furnifli  me  for  it.—-  In  my 
'^  Saviour  I  have  unfear chalk  Riches y  and  in  my 
^  Fruition  ofHimI  have  a  fulUupply  for  all  myWants. 

*■  For  the  Honors  of  this  7r(?r/^/.-— My  Abhorrence 
^  of  having  the  great  GOD  robbed  on  my  Account, 
^  by  People  gazing  on  me  without  being  led  thro' 
*■  me  to  Hitn,  renders  all  the  Honours  in.  the  ^raije 
*"  of  Ale n  very  diftafleful  to  me.    I  dp  nothing  to  gain 

*  Honors  for  my  felf  ;  and  if  I  do  fecure  any  Thing 
^  oi  Efieem  or  o^  St  at  ion  ^  it  fhall  be  purely  for.  the 
*■  Intereft  of  GOD.—  If  I  be  accepted  with  my  Sa- 
*■  VI OUR  and  employed  in  Work  for  His  Kingdom  and 

*  have  His  Image  imprinted  on  me  :  Here  are  all 
^  the  Honors  that  I  wifh  for. 

*■  I  go  over  the  affli^i-^-^^  things  with  which  my 
^  Life  is  all  embittered  {  and  I  make  the  fame  Salleys 
*"  towards  CHRIST  upon  the  Arrival  of  any  nc-it) 
^  Afflitiion  )  I  repair  to  my  JESUS  :  I  realize  not 
*■  only  His  Hard,  but  alfo  His  Love  in  fending  the 
*■  Trouble.  I  fee  my  Saviour  "  once  encountring 
*■  the  fame  l^rouble,  and  I  am  heartily  pleas'd  at  my 
^  Conformity  to  Him.  I  lee  how  patiently  and  with 
^  what  Vie-ivs  He  bore  the  L'rouhle^  and  I  wifh  to  be 
^  like  Him.     I  confider  what  is  that  Good  which  this 

*  "Trouble  deprives  m^e  of,  and  I  ^fee  the  fame  Goody 
^  and  what  is  infinitely  i'fr/^r,laid  up  in  my  Saviour ; 
^  and  I  am  fatisfied.     The  77./oV5  of  my  Saviour  T 

*  forever  find  fweetning  the  bitter  Waters  of  Marali 
^  to  me.  I  fmd  Him  the  Comforter  that  always  re- 
^'lievcs  my  Soul,  when  I  have  Him  ftear  unto  me. 

'HO  W 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather;  ^y 

'  /  HOW  ma»y^  0  LORT)^  ^^re  the  Tho'tl 
^  wliich  I  form  in  my  Alind  concerhihglHEE  !  Ths 
^  Of^V^o^l  oiiwhich,  the  Contrivance^  With  which^  I 
^  <?herifli  the  ^bo'ts  cannot  h  reckoned  u^  in  Order, 

j*^  Wheu   I  Fee  any  Thing  €'ir.c client  in  any  Ma.^i^  \ 

*  leads   me  to  fho'ts  on  the  luperior  Excellencies  m 

*  my  Saviour. 

^  Tnz  .^uidities  of  the  .various  J^nlmais  which,  i 
^  happen  to  have  before  me,  put  me  in  Mind  of  the 
^  admirably  Qualities  by  which  my  Saviqur  ii  en- 
5  deared  unto  me. 

^f^  WfjEN  I  fee  People  miferahle  m  ariy.  Poirit^  !t 
«■  rsifeS  in  me  fome7"^£/Vi  on  the  Mferies,  from  which 
*■  I  am  delivered  by  my  SAviouRjand  my  OHigatioris 

*  to  my  Deliverer. 

'^  What  arc   the   Ufes  of  my  Garmeffis  to  th^ 

*  JPjw  that  are  covered  with  them  >  Of  fuch  Ufes 
^  is  my  Saviour  to  my  Spirit^  with  *th^  1^i)o*ts  of 
^  which  I  have  adored  Him. 

^  What  is  there  in  the  ^ieis  of  my  TaBleto  ren- 
'  der  them  agreable  unto  me  ?  AnakgcUs  'T ropers 
^  ties  I  difcerri  in  my  Saviour  ;  and  the  'tl:io^'ts 
^  thereof  give  me  an  exquifite  Relilti  of  Him. 

'  I  durft  not  let  my  Mindly  fallow  as  I  v/alk  the 
'  Streets.  I  ]:eHuke  my  iel'  with  heavy  Complaints 
f  (  and,  I  make  my  Moan  to  Heaven  )  if  I  have  p-one 
5  many  fteps  v^jthout  feme  ftruggie  to  pull  down 
^-  the -J^w'ipf  my  Saviour  into  m.y  Sotflo  I  have 
f  compelled  the  *S%;;.i-in  i\-ic  Streets  to  ppint  me  unta 
.^  fomething  ,in  my  Saviour  tha^  ihoiild  be  tho'i; 
f  upon.  When  I  have  been  at  ..a  lofs  for  frelh  ^ho'fSi 
.  on  Hirn,  it  has.  been  but  caiiing  my  Eye  on  the; 
f  Shops  of  cither  fide^and/rojin  ihe  Varieties  in  them, 
^  I.  have. had  foiiietHlrg  of  Lny  Sayiour  fuggeliy. 
^  iinto  m.€,  i. 


5>1S  ^he  Life  of 

'  Enquiries  after  JV<?wi  are  made  with  Frequency.^ 
'^  with  Eagcrnefs  :  I  am  grown  very  Cold  in  ,fuch 
'^  Things  :  My  Concern  for  them  and  rieafure  in 
'  them  is  very  mvich  extinguilhed.  Some  nt'vo  ^ho'ts 
'  of  Him  iliali  be  the  Nc^jcSy    after  which  I  fiiall  W 

*  flill  moll  enquiring.  Here  I  have  my  Curiofity 
^  gratified  a  thoufand  Times  more  than  in  the  l^eifCi 
^  of  the  common  Occurrences  in  the  World. 

*^  I  have  fometlmes  zn  EsupeElailoft  offome  Satis-- 
^  faction  arriving  to  me,  and  a  little  of  *S'/m/^r/?7  and 

*  Impatience  in  it.  I  retund  it  :  I  h^ve  done  expec- 
'^  ting  any  good  Things  from  this  World  :  My  Tbo'ts 
*"  ufually  arc,  IVhat  is  the  Good  of  that  isohich  I  ex- 
^  peB  ?  O  my  Sotd^  All  of  this  Good  7'hou  haft  ah 
;  ready  in  thy  SA  V 10  UR. 

^  I  have  in  my  Study  a  very  eafy  Chair  :  When  I 
**.  am  going  to  repofe  my  fclf  in  it,  it  is  a  common  Re- 
*"  fledion  with  me.  Return  to  thy  Re  fly  O  my  Soul ; 
^  O  my  yESUSy  Thou  art  the  Refi  of  my  Souk 

•^  Ow  the  Lo^^d's  Dsy  I  would  r/rr^r  into  the  Refl 
^  of  GO'X>.  That  I  may  Sabbatize  aright  I  hear  my 
*■  Saviour  inviting  of  me.  Come  unto  me ,  and  I'vcill 
^  give  you  Reft.  On  this  Day  I  try  to  make  a  par- 
^  ticular  Applicaticn  of  that  Invitation.  1  get  my 
*  Mind  filled  this  Day  with  as  many  Iho'ts  of  my 
*"  Saviour  as  may  be  :  Which  'Tbd'ts  in  general 
^  have  a  Tendency  to  convey  afweet  Refl  unto  the 
•'  Soul  that  entertains  them.  And  more  particularly, 
*■  if  I  happen  to  think  of  any  Thing  that  may  be  un- 
<■  eafy  to  nje,  I  prefently  feek  a  fweet  Refl^  for  my 
<"  Soul  in  Jesus  Christ  as  being  and  as  doing  what 
^  will  be  a  Relict  of  that  Unecfuicf.  Yea,  Tf^me- 
'  times  now  caftan  Eve  on  the  unr  cm  fort  all?  T^A/^ei 
'  which  give  a  Diiluibance  to  my  Reft  in  this  A^A'orldJ 
*■  on  purpofe  that  1  may  immediarely  take  my  Flights 
^  to  iomething  in  CnaiST^that  Ihall  fhow  me  a  plcn- 
'  tecHs  Redeynpticn  from  them.  So  /  rejoire  in  the 
^  J.ORiD  a^ain^y  a^ainj  md  fo  I  find'i//<  Refl  is 
'  glorious.  ^  EvER^ 


jDr.  GoTTOti  MATntaT  9^ 

^  Every  Day  I  fihd  in  my  fcl'f  fuch  Imperfeiliohsi 
^  Infirmities^  i^///67?rr/>^<?5 J  as  caufe  me  to  humble 
^  d^ndahJpprtn^'felf  before  the  Lord.  Now  .1  em- 
^  ploy  my  ovjnJkumiUamns  (ov Scaffolds  from  'v\' hence 
^  I  woula  raife  the  Pr^ifes  of  my  admirable  SAvicotjR, 
^  Whatever  1  fee  ;;?e^;?  &  -y/Ve  in  my  ielf^  I  vv^ould  pto- 
f  ceed  from  thence  tothink'^  how  much  the  Rsverfe 
f  of  this  is  to  befeen.in  jf  ESUS.  From  the  Leath-^ 
*  ing  of  my  felif  I  would  pafs  on  totheZ(?t'/«^^  of.my 
f  Saviour,  And  fo  among  other  Confcqiiehces^  £ 
*^  fhall  alfo  affec^^my  felf  with  the  only  BSghteoufnefi 
f  which  I  have  to  pkad  that  I  may  be  jtd'ti/ied  t€fure 
^  GOD,  _  .  "  .  , 

^  Tn.E  ^agahs  had,  their  w^;;^  j^Oi:/^^  6tid  foi'  one 
^  Blelling  they  hop'd  from  one  of  their  gods,  tor  ano- 
^  ther  from  another.  Now  z\\  the  Glories  which  [ 
^  find  them  dividmg  among  their  many  gods >,  I  aicrib^ 
'^.  unto  my  Saviour  who  is  the  true  GOT)  an^ 
^Eternal  Life-y  arid  look  for  every  Bleifing  from 
^  HtM'^lont. 


*''ftr  my  coftverfing  witB  my  Saviour^  I  go  thro* 
many  VoYuons  o^  Striftures  v;hich.  tafiify^of  Hnn  i 
.  efpeciaily  the  ^jy^/wijemploying  a  Verfe  or  i  Chufe^ 
^  at  a  Time  for  theSubicct  of  my  Aleditation^  whtili 
every  Night  I  fall  apep  in  'JESUS.  Now  the 
^Pfahns  arQ  filled  with  ^Prayers.j  v;herein  I  find  my 
Condition  fo  fuited  th^t  I  cannot  exprefs.it  betted 
before  the  Lor  d.  But  when  I  preient  fuch  Prayers 
unco  the  Lord  it  proves  a  vafi:  Encouragernent  and 
Confolation  imto  me^  and  therein  I  maintain  a  molt 
^  fweet  Fellcivfiip  with  my  SAvJot'R,  v.'hen  I  think  ; 
*  'l^hls  vevs^Prayer  ivas-ona  prefented  b\  viv  S  A- 
^  VIOUR  unto  liiS  Eternal  FArUEA  :  My. 
':  SAVIOUR  once  pray'd  at  rhi>  Ratf  ^  jlmd 
5  Acceptance  I  f  pray  hi:  as  my  S  AV  JOU  R  taii'iht 
\  me  and  as  liE  did  before  me  \  C'trtainly  fuch  Cf 
^  'Rrayer  u'iU  i>e  grateful  unto  GOT). 

I   '^  TAW^Wf f  Ik  ^^.y  admirable  Saviour  accomplin?.-, 
^In^'fcMrmt^  Kedc^'.ption  for   us^    Lfee  gloriou^ 


t©#  ^he  Life  ojf 

<  ) 

^  Tranfadions'and  Occurrences.  Now  I  am  follici- 
'  tous  to  feel  the  Power,  the  heavenly  CPoiver  oi 
'  thefe  Things  upon  me^  that  I  may  come  into  ah 
^  holy  Felloivlhip  i^^ith  themy  and  syith  Him  in  them. 
'  This  I  take  for  a  T'okcn  to  me,  that  my  Sjiviouae 
"^  has  been  concerned  for  me  inthefeParts  of  his  potent 
'^  Mediation. 

'  I  fee  GOD  becoming  a  Man  in  my  Saviour,  1 
'  feel  the  ^Poiver  of  it  in  my  returning  to  GOD  and 
'  meeting  with  Him  in  my  Saviour, 

^  I  fee  my  SAVIOUR  leading  an  hidden  Life^^rA 
^  palling  thrc'  oh f cure  Circumftances  while  He  fojour- 
'  ned  among  us  :  I  feel  the  ^ower  of  it  in  my  being 
'^  wiUing  to  have  my  Walk  ivith  GO 2)  carried  on 

*  with  all  poiTible  Concealment  upon  it. 

*■  I  fee  my  SAVIOUR  doing  illuilrious  Mracles 
'  upon  the  Children  of  Men  in  their  Diftreffcs :  I  feel 

*  the  \Po^x€r  of  it  in  my  own  Experience  of  the  1)1^ 
'  vine  W'rks  upon  my  Soul,  anfwerablc  to  what  was 
^  in  thofe  andent  Operations  of  the  Lord. 

^  'I  fee  my  SAVIOUR  dying  for  my  Sin>  dying 
^  oh  the  Crofs :  I  feel  the  Tower  of  it  in  the  2)^^/^ 
^  of  my  finfulDirpofitions,my  tDying  unto  Creatitres^, 
'  my  having  for  tJ^is  fVbrld  the  Sentiments  of  a  Man 

*  hanging  upon  a  Crofs. 

'  I  fee  my  SAVIOUR  in  His  Re  fur  region  trlum- 

*  phing  over  the  Tc^joers  cfDarknefiy  and  entring 

*  mto  a  2v^-:t'  Life  v^herein  He  lives  for  ever  more  : 
'  I  feel  the  'Tc-zver  of  it  in  my  rifing  and  getting  up 

*  out  of  my  Lifelefs  Ttark/iefs^  and  my  coming  into, 
^  a  Ne'-jo  Life,  wherein  I  Ihall  purfue  the  Deiigns  of 

*  Fl.ETY,  quickncd  with  an  Everlaf.ing  'Frincipk 
'  of  ir,  to  which  I  was  once  a  Stranger.  '* 

This  may  be  enough  to  illuflrate  the  Way  of 
Livina^  in  which  the  G  O  D  of  all  Grace  enabled 
Pr.  Mathjr  to  proceed.    In  this  Way  ofLivin^j^^ 

He 


f  Dr.  Cot  TON  Mather:  ip;^ 

He  waited  to  fee  what  his  SAVIOUR  would  do. 
far  Him  ;  Thus  kaning  on  the  'Beloved  of  his  Soul 
He  would  go  up  from  the  Wildemefs  of  this  World. 

3,  H  LS   Occafio^al   7*houghts  and  JEjacuhury 
^r^yers.     ^ 

t.  That  Dr.  Mather  might  'walk  in  the  fear  of 
the  Z0R2)  all  the  2)ay  lonr,  his  Mind  was  continu- 
ally convcrfing  with  God  and  preparing  for  Heaven 
in  Occafional  '^Prayers  andMe^Uatio-ns,  His  Opinion 
and  Perfua(i6H-concerniflg>y«^/;lZ^/;o'i'5.\vas,  that  while, 
He  was  forming  of  them  -He  was  difec^tly,  nearly, 
fwcetly  anfsvering  the  Grand  End  of  his  Lite,  which 
is  to  Glorify  GOD  and  ackwx'ledgc  HIM;  ThutHe 
was  alfo  therein  reSlifying  his  Soul  and  ripening  it 
for  the  ^mploymnts  and  Enjoyments  of  the  Heavenly 
World.      ^ 

I  fhall  now  tell  you  fome  of  the  Rules  which  H« 
prefcritied  unto  Himfelf  to  avvaken  the  ^ho'ts 
and  ^Prayers  of  a  Religious  Mind  on  the  Occajions 
which  frequently  occurred* 

When  He  heard  a  Clock  ftrikey  He  could  not  help 
thinking  and  wilhing,  that  He  might /o  mmber  h\i 
tDays  as  to  apply  hk  Heart  tc,  Wijdotrr. ;  and  that  He 
might  fofpend  every  Hour  as  to  be  able  to  give  a  good 
Account  of  it. 

Ar  the  Winding  up  of  his  Watch y  He  blefsM  Gan 

for  another  Day  jlnd'defir'd  He  might  fpend  it  in  Eii- 
deavcurs  to  glorify  HixM. 

W^^ATF-VER.  Comfortable  linings  He  faw  any  other- 
Perfon  eWjoy  He  took  the  Cqmfort  of  it,  adored  tho 
Goodnefs^  of  Heaven  and  wilhed  for  2.^right-  hnprone- 
tnent  ofitv  -  '  -\    ■ 

His  Life  was  fuH-of  *SV^"j;V^;  i-.  but  on  every  ^;/r 
Ke  would  diftin6tly  confider   how  ^  to  do  it  out  ■  o^- 
>  H  :^  Ob-' 


20%  2%e  Life  of 

Obedience  to  God^  how  to  glorify  an3  ferm 
Christ,  how  to  imitate  Him>  and  after  all  what: 
(IH  unprofitahle  Servant  He  was. 

When  He  dilpenfed  iC/W«e/i  to  any  Perfon,   He 

would  at  the  fame  Time  lift  up  a  Pjajier  for  them^ 
that  they  might  not  be  unmindful  of  iuch  Duty  to 
Him  as  thro'  this  Kindnefs  they  might  be  invited  to. 

He  had  oftentimes  an  Opportunity  to  exprefs  a 
Benignity  to  "Bruit  Creatures^  either  to  feed  them  or* 
make  their  Conditiop  eafy  to  them:  He  would  do 
It  with  Delight  and  raife  two  Meditations  upoji  it. 
*^  lam  no'x  the  IiJiJ'ums^t  of  GO  2)  unto  thefe  Crea- 
tares  \  HIS  Kindnefs pajfes  thro''  my  Hunds  to  them  : 
And  itiU  rwt  the  bkjfed  GO 2}  he  as  heneficent  unta 
tne  'as  I  am  unto  thefe  Creatures  ?  efpecially  ify  a% 
they  look  unto  me  to  he  kind  unto  tbem^  J  always  look 
ti^  unio  HIM. 

When  he  knocked  at  a  Door^  th^  Faith  of  our 
Saviour's  Promife  was  awakened  iu  Him^  Knock 
and  it  Jhall  be  opened  unto  Xou, 

When  he  mended  his  Fire^  it  was  with  a  Medita- 
tion how  his  Hr.art  and  Life  might  be  reclined ,  aod 
bow  thro'  the  Emendations   of  Divine  Grace   His 

Love  and  Zeal  mi^ht  flame  more  agreably* 

When  he  put  out   his   Candle ^    it  muft  be   done 
with  an  Addrefs  to  the   Father  of  Lights ^    that  his 
Light  might  net  be  put  cut  in  Obfcure  *Darknefs  j 
and  with  a  Wjih  that  ^ii'ben  He  goes  out  by  Morta^ 
ilty  He  might  enter  everlafting  Life  and  Light. 

As  he  tafled  of  the  feveral  Fruits  which  are  the 
yich  Produ^  of  Summery  he  would  fet  Himfelf  to 
think  on  fo me y/)fa*i?/  Glory  of  our  Saviour^  of 
which  he  might  by  it  be  lead  unto  the  Contempla-. 
^ion,  anJ  To  addrefs  Hixm  with  a  rapturous  Confeiiion 

IS3 


Br.  Cotton  Mathkr.  i^^ 

Tja  drinking  a  Difh  of  l^ea,  (  of  which  he  was  a 
gr^at  Admirer  )  he  would  take  an  Occjiiion  for  thcfc 
Tho'ts  efpecially  with  thcrngenuity  of  Oaaficjial  Re- 
fle^lomwd  agreal/kSimilitikJ e^thzt  ihould  havj  many 
fweet  Acknowlcgements  of  the  glorious  J  lsvs  ni 
them.  And  whatever  'Delight  any  of  his  Serfes 
cnjoyM,  it  was  foon  fan^^ified  and  rendred  more  de- 
lightful by  his  making  fuch  an  Improvement  of  it. 

The  Servant  of  the  Lord  could  fay,  Mhjc  Eyes 
prevent  the  Night  Watches,  that  I  might  Akcljate 
in  thy  Word.  When  the  Dodlor  waked  in  the 
Nighty  he  would  impofe  it  as  a  Law  upon  Himfelf 
ever  before  he  fell  afleep  again  to  bring  fome  Glory 
of  his  S  AV 10  UK  into  his  Meditations,  and  have 
Tome"  agreable  T>ejir8  of  his  Sotil  xx^on  it. 

When  he  paid  what  he  civ\l  at  any  Time^  he 
would  refled  on  what  he  cw'd  CHR'lS'tforpny^^ 
ing  his  "Debt  to  the  juftice  ofG  OD^  and  was  deli- 
reus  that  he  fhould  oi^ce  no  ALin  any  thing  but  Love. 

Among  the  Occafions  for  the  Expreffions  of  ^iety 
and  Thankfulnefs;,  he  would  aifed:ionately  take  No- 
tice of  the  mean  JBmployments  wherein  he  iavv  other 
People  occupied.  When  he  faw  thol^  whofe  Buiinel^> 
it  was  to  dig  in  the  Earthy  to  fweep  Chimneys^ 
cleanfe  the  Kennels y  or  drive  the  Coach y  ■■  the  Cart  or 
Wheel-barroiVy  or  excrcifed  in  the  like  lo-zv  Dc'^ree  ; 
I  lay,  whan  he  faw  thofc  Men,  it  raifed  his  Heart  in 
Wonders  at  the  Goodnefs  of  GOD,  which  Jiflin- 
.2;uilhed  him.  with  nobler  Emplovmcncs. 

W^HEN  he  viflted  a  Sick  ^crfvn  he  would  fetch 
ipme  Admonition  relating  to,  the  moral 'Jjiile'nij>ers  ia 
his  Heart  and;  Life,  analogous  to  the  Circum fiances' 
of  the  di leafed  Perlbn. 

If  any  Thiiig  began  to  raifeany  Ebullition  of  yf/?- 
ger  in    him,  he  would  endeavor  to  allay  it  byil<4nk- 
ing,  ^'^  What 'Provocations  have  J?iven  to  the  ^r eat 
H  4  G  O  \Q, 


^OtD  ;  and  "johat  was  the  Meeknefs  and  WtCdom  ofm^ 
HeJJed  yESUS  when  he  met  with  Contradidion 
from  ^nners. 

When  h^^voafied  his  Hands,  he  muft  think  o! 
the  clean  Hands,  as  well  as  pure  iieart^  which  bc» 
long  to  the  Citixens  of  Zion.  .  \ 

Ai4p  when  he  did  fo  mean  ^n  A<^ipn  zo,parmg  hh 
Nailsj  he  tho't  how  he  might  iajy  afide  all  Super  - 
jit4ifj/  of  J^m^htinejs. 

So p^E TIMES  he, had  kiad  Pref^nts  made  him  :  He 
would- i?y  thc=^//^A'0'ofthePrcrents  be  awakened  unto 
pariicuiar  AcJino-zvled^tnents  and  Rtfoluticns,  He 
would  thmk.  What  Good  7'hing  (hould  that  Man 
^ij/j^  and  'what  Goodfiouldkedc^^  iichomGOD  ohli- 
ges  by  ipejfoivinjrfuch  Things  upon  Him  ?  And  he 
would,  always  add  a  Refi^iStion  upon  the  Humiliation 
of  our  SAVIOUR  who  wanted  fuGi>  Things^  thro'  the 
Ingratitude  of  an  evil  World, 

Whenever  he  met  with,  any  Crooked  'Thing,  he 
rcflcfled  after  this  manner;  Jlfy  Willis  crojfed ;  but 
ivhat  particular  Jnftance  of  iDifobedience  and  Con^ 
tradlttioK  to  the  Will  of  GO  2)  Jhould  this  jiffd6ll(ifi 
lead  me  to  confider  of 

He  had:  for  many  Years  a  7rfcrning  Cough  :  it 
every  Morning  ralfed  proper  'Difpojitions  ofTlety 
in  him. 

Ii^  managing  his  Correfpondenrles,  He  would  think. 
What  honour  able  Mention  can  I  make  of  my  S  A- 
V  lOU  R.  here,  and  ii^hat  Service  may  I  do  for  the 
Kingdom  of  my  S  A.VIO  U  R  on  thti  Opportunity  ? 
He  afterwards  added  three  ReflefVions.  i-irft ,  When 
he  was  Sealing  a  Letter  and"  fending  it  away>  lie 
would  with  an  a£b  oi  Ri^fignation  put  it  over  into 
the  Hands  of  the  x)iv^'ie  -Previdence  for  the  Safety 
and  Succels  of  it.  Secondly;  When  he  was  open.  ::g 
any  Letter^  he  would  lift  up  his  Heart  to  Heaven  that 
.     '■  .   •        he 


5)r.  Cotton  Mather;  ^05 

ke  might  be />rf^/!jr^i  for  whatever  was  grievous  cr 
joyful  Thirdly;  In  his  lafi  "Prayers  in  his  Study 
4t  Night  before  he  went  to  reft,  he  would  call  to 
itiind  whom  he  had  received  any  Letter  from  in  the 
Day,  and  would  make  particular  mention  of  that  Per- 
fon  and  pray  for  fyitabie  Mercies  for  him. 

Thus  I  h?»ve  given  you  a  Specimen,  which  is  all  I 
intendedj  and  all  you  caji  expeft  here. 

2.  But  that  fo  the  Doctor,  rxhether  he  eat  or 
drank  or-iv/^cteverhc  did,  might  do  all  to  the  Ghry 
efGOlJ'y  he  was  very  conltantm  EjczculatoryPrayerz 
and  Pr^ijes.  ""  ^ 

Thr  partjcuUr  Sea(pns^  m.wh*ch  he  was  furnilh'd 
\yith  them,  were  as  follows,  viz. 
"  Before  he  fet  upon  any  iigaai  A^  ofWorfiif,  an 
Ejaculation  muft  ask  tor  ncfp  in  that  Acb. 

.While  he  was  joining  with  another  in  Social 
'Prayinr  he  would  tix  his  wandring  Heart  by  annex- 
ing fuch  a  pertinent  iijiuukition  unto  every  Sentence 
that  was  uttered  as^  ''  LOI^Dy  lo-jcnit,  or  LOBJD 
I  ask  it  I 

In  hearing;  of  a  Sermon  h<?  would  tack  a  fcripus 
Bjncukmon  upoh  every  Te:^i  or  Head  that  lliould  be 
propofed  in  it.  ' 

Before'  his  Preaching  of  a  6'fr^/^r;,  he  revolved 
ir  in  a  Meditation  than  fliould"  turn  every  part  of  it  into 
fome  Eiaculiitiort. 

His  Courfe  of  daily  Meditation ^  which  he  car- 
ried on,^  had  agreable  Ejaculations  intermixed  in  tlie 
whole  Exerciie.  ■■ 

'  Number] eis  Fjnculnt'ons  at  the  LORlPsTlhle  he 
tho't  highly  feafonable. 

•  1m  Si.-Ji'^t^.'y^  a  'J 'Jain:  ?ind  B^rr.dinr,  a  Cl'ap'rr,  2$ 
he  wciit  along  he  would  form  agreaoie  Ejauil-riovs 
out  of  every  Verfe. 

^VIIE^J  in  his  liefjre  Minuses  he  fetch \]  ZpJJim 
{ro^.^i\thz€reatur€S  of  GOD,  he  would  not  diimift' 
then  until  he  had  put  them  into  proper  E}a;:i'lafions. 

When 


joMiT  Xhc  Life  op 

Wheu  2tny  new  Comfort  was  conferred  oq  l;iim^  ht 
had  thi5  Ejaculation,  ^^  LORD,  Help  me  to  employ 
ihi%  ^Talent  for  thy  Glory  '\  And  when  any  new 
STrcubk  was  inflicted  on  hiiii,  he  prayed^  ^^  ZOR!D^ 
Eel^  me  to  bear  as  mcell  as  to  hear  the  Rod  '\ 

Every  new  matter  of  Care  bro't  whh  it  new  Mat- 
ter for  his  Trayers :  He  thoi^ht  ther^^fore  that  the 
leafi  he  could  do  was  to  carry  zjbort  Petition  to  the 
Lord  ;  and  thus  he  asked  the  fmile  of  Heaven  upori 
aH  that  he  had  to  do-. 

EspEci  ALLY  if  any  weighty  ^eftion  was  propoun- 
ded unto  him,  he  would  not  anfwer  it  until  he 
ferie%  addreis'd  Heaven  for  2k  right  ^nfjcer. 

He  had  often  ''  LORD, Save  thy  "People  *'  in  his. 
Mind;  fuch  Ejaculations  for  the  Church, of  God,  he 
often  nfed. 

He  iiked  that  good  Rule  which  one  propofed  for 
liiinMf,  When  I  think  of  ky  Friend,  let  it  be  '-jC'ith  a 
praying  I'ho^t. 

'■  When  he  was  infonned  of  any  Neighbour  in  Af- 
fiiSion,  he  thought  it  befpoke  his  charitable  Eja- 
culations. 

While  he  nicalked  the  Streets,  or  fat  in  a  Room 
^th  his  Mind  otherwife  unemployed,  he  would  not 
io(e  the  Time,  but  ute  his  Wit  as  well  as  Grace  ivti 
contriviRg  fome  ruitable  "Blefjing  for  fuch  and  fuch  as 
were  before  him  ;  and  then  he  would  form  it  into  an"^ 
jEjaculation  for  them.  Thus  none,  but  He  that- 
kf^&^vitheT'hot^s  afar  off,  witxt  7ic<^'izv[itQ,d  with  the 
fccrct  pious  Motions  of  hisSouL 

' So  much  foiEjiiculatory  Prayers  for  the  prefent. 

The  Seafons  for  Ejaculatory  Traifes  you  may 
take  as» folio ^vs,  vi-^. 

Tbe  Occafions  \yhkh  occur'd  for  his,  Prayers ^ 
fometimes  too,  foUicited  for  his  ^rnifes. 

E%'ERY  Difpenfation  of  God  efibrded.  Matter  kr. 
fufh  an  Ejaculation  to  him, 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather  ;ro7 

Especially  when  any  confpicuoi^s  Mercy  was 
beilovved  up(^n  him:>  he  exprefs'a  his"  Gratitude  by 
ibme  grateful  Ejaculation  upon  it,  fuch  as,  I'hou  art 
good 3  and  '/hou  doll  Good. 

Arqr  whenever  any  ^erfeBlon  of  God  was  by  any 
Effects  matiifefled  unto  him,  he  would  by  fo me  adap- 
ted Ejaculanon  celebrate  that  Perle^^ion,  faying^ 
ZOR'U^  ho-w  ^reatis  thy  'Tower ^  thy  Wifdom^Jup 
tlce,  So-Oerelgnty  and  'Bounty. 

— —  Thus  Tike  wife  o(  Ejaculatory  ^raifes, 

I  will  re(u,me  the  Head  of  Ejaculatory  Prayers ; 
and  ihall  conclude  thisHead  withfome  of  them,  which 
he  us'd  at  a  iCable  once  and  in  ^jsalking  the  Streets  ; 
by  which  you  may  guefs  very  eafily,  how  he  walked 
ais  in  the  fight  of  GOD. 

^  I'a  7'ahk^  where  he  tbo't  it  not  proper  to  fay 
much,  and  the  Dircourfcs  of  others  were  too  trivial  to 

be  worthy  of  his  Intention. 

Looking  on  the  Gentlewoman  that  carv'd  for  the 
Guefts  :  '^  LORD,  tho'c  he.  Carve  a  rich  ^Fortiou 
of  thy  Graces  and  Comforts  to  that  Ferfon.' 

A  Gentlewoman  (Iricken  in  Years  j  ^,  Lord,  adorn 
that  'Pcrfon  -zvith  the  Fertues  "vchich  "Thowprefcribefi 
unto  aged  Woraen.  ^. 

For  a  Gentlewoman  newly  Married,  ^  Lord^Mar-- 
ry  a  fid  Ejpoufe  that  T  erf  on  to  Thy  f elf  in  a  Covenant 
never  to  be  forgotten.^ 

For  aGen'clewoman  very  beautiful,  *"  Lord^  Give 
thatTerfonah  humble  Mind,  and  lei  her  be  rnojl  con- 
cerned for  thofc^  Ornaments  that  are  of  great  'Price 
in  thy  fight'' 

•  For  one  of  our  Magiftrates,  ^  Lord,  Infpire  that 
TerCon  <:vith  IVifdcm,  'Courage  and  Goodnefs  to  feek 
the  'V/elfare  of  thy  ^People.  \ 

O^p..  of  the  Mini ilers  ;  Lord,  Encline  and  afjifi 
that  T  erf  on  to  be  m  faith  fit  StC'-ivard  in  tliy  Houfc.  ^ 

One 


ioS  ne  Life  of 

One  unhappy  in  his  Children  ;  '  LorS,  CoHOeyt 
the  Children  of  that  ^erfo?},  and  let  him  Ijavc  thit 
^oy  to  fee  them  walking  in  the  Truth  ^ 

One  weakly  and  sickly ;  ^  Zord^  Let  the  Sun  &f 
Kjghteopfnefs  arife  on  that  'JPerfon  'with  Mealing  uh- 
Jer  his  Wings  \  '         /     "        _ 

■  APhyfician^  ^  Lord^ Let  that  Teffo^he  fucafsfttl 
in  his  TraBice  ;  and  let  him  cany  the  2)ifiemfers  tf 
tis  own  Soulfuccefsfully  to  his  Hsaler  \       • 

One  that  had  met  with  great  Lofles ;  ^  Lords, 
Qivethat  ^erfon  thi  good  Tart  that"  can  never  be 
taken  away.  \ 

And'  fpi;  the  Sen^ants  giving  Attendance  ;  ^  Lord^ 
Make  them  thy  Children  and  Servants  of  J  J^  SUS 
CHRISX' 

When  he  walked  the  Streets ^  he  ftill  hleffed  ma- 
flv  Perlpas  who  never  knew  it^  ^^khfecret  IfTjhes 
itter  this  manner  for  them  ;  '^ 

Upon  the  fight' ofa  tall  Man  ;  ^  Lo.rd\  Give  that 
Man.high  At^tainments  in  Chrijlianify  :  Xet  him  fear 
G02)  ahhve  many  ^ 

A  lame  Man  ;  '  Lordy  Help  that  Man  on  moral 
jic^counts  to  walk  uprightly.  ' 

A  Negro ;  '  Lordy  Wap  that  foor  Soul  ;  make 
loim  white  by  the  Wafiing  of  thy  S'P  JR  IT.  '     ^ 

Children  ilanding  together;  '  Lord,  Let  the 
Mejfed  IJand  of  C  HR  IST  be  put  on  thefe  Chil- 
dftn  K 

Children  at  Play;  ^  Lord^  Let  not  thefe  ClnU 
drm  always  forget  the  Work  vfon  which  they  came 
into  the  World  \ 

A  Merchant ;  ^  Lordy  Make  that  Jifajs  a  wife 
Merchant  \ 

]A.  very  little  Man  ;  ^  Lord]^  Sr/?j;;y  great  Slef 
fings  upon  that  Man  y  and  ^abp'vis  all  thy  SON  the 
greatefi  of  all  ^Blafpngs  \  '     '  ^ 

A  Man  on  Horfe-back  ;  ^  Lord,  T^y  Creatures 
fervi  that  Man  ;  help  him  tofcrvehis  Creator.  ''• '' 

Yo£?NG  People;  ^  Help  themy  O  Lord,  to  ferve. 
their  Creator  in  the  2>ays  of  their  Touth  \ 

'  YouN© 


Dr.  Cotton  Mamer;  io^ 

Young  Gentlewomen;  *  Lor 3"^  Make  -thein  rsoifB 
Virgins  3  and  as  the  folijh'd  Stones  of  the  Ttmfle  \ 

A  Shop-keeper  bufy  at  Work  ,•  *  Zet  not  this  Ter- 
f on  fo  mind  the  Affairs  of  this  Worid  as  to  negie^ 
the  one  T'hing  needful  ^ 

A  Man  going  by  without  obferving  him  i  ^  Lord^ 
I  fray  THEEy  Help  that  Man  to  take  a  due  No^ 
ticeofCHRIsr,'  . 

One  in  Mourning  ;  ^  Lord,  Give  that  Man  the 
Comforts  "xhich  Thou  hafi  fromis'd  to  the  hjejfed 
Mourners  '. 

A  very  old  Man  ;  ^  Lord),  Make  him  an  old  2)if' 
c^le'. 

One  leaning  on  a  Staff;  ^  Teach  this  ^erfon^Lord^ 
to  lean  on  his  SAVIO  UR' 

One  who  hadfpoken  injurioully  of  hiih  ;  ^  Lord 
fiefs',  fpare  andfave  that  'Ferfon  even  as  my  oivn 
Soul ;  may  that  Terfon  fiaro  'with  me  in  all  the  Sal- 
vations ofG  0  2)\ 

One  that  was  reckoned  a  very  wicked  Man ;  LorJ^ 
Re fcue  that  poor  Man  ^joho  {'tis  to  be  feared)  Isfof-* 
fefs'd  by  Satan  J  *who  leads  him  captive  \ 

In  like  manner jwhen  he  has  beeh  fitting  in  a  Room 
fiill  of  People  ^t  a  Funeral,  where  they  take  not 
much  liberty  to  ^alk,  and  where  much  Time  is  moit 
unreafonibly  loft  ;  he  ufually  fct  his  Wits  to  work  to 
contrive  agj'eable  Senedidions  for  each  Perfon  in  the 
Company. 

But  It  were  endlefsto  exemplify  a  thoufandth  part 
ofthofc  Ejaculations,  in  which  his  Grace  ^  Love 
were  exercifed. 

4.  HIS  Fap,  "thanksgivings,  Vigils^  and  Self^ 
Examinations. 

I.  FAST'ING,  however  in  this  Generation  it 
Hiay  be  defpifed,  is  very  ufeful  not  only  becaufe  ^^- 
iure,  but  alfo  Grace,  fares  the  better  for  it^  and  is 
Hrengthned  by  it  :  Hence  it  is  that  fo  many  religious 
Men  have  Igoted  wpga  it  4S  a  ncceflary  &  importanc 


no  Ithe  nfe  cf 

There  is  J.  Pafiagc  in  the  Talmuds  (  in  HlerofyL 
Kilaim.  Fol.  32.  2,)  that  Rabbj  [osi  failed  eix:bty 
FajhzndK.  Simeon  Ben  Lagish  thrti  Huudi  rd^ 
that  they  might  fee  R.CAijAi  Rvbbah.  Ihe 
y£?-m  report  ot'R.  Zatok  that  he  did  fo  mortify  him= 
lelf  N^ithirafbing  that  he  v.as  commoniy  called  Cbaljha 
!.  e.  the  IFeak.  They  tdl  us  alfo  ot,  K.  jo§:  ua  Ben 
A  NAN  I  AH  that  his  Face  was  black  by  reiifon  of  hi$ 
Failings. 

So  very  frequent  among  the  ^rlmiuve  Cbrii^ians 
was  the  Pradicc  of  this  Duty^,  that  it  was  to  be  dis- 
covered in  their  Faces  and  Joint:; ,  fo  tJiat  \r  -llidl 
and  ^refidi  were  the  opproLriouo  Names  which  the 
Heathen  for  this  Reafon  gave  them. 

But  among,  thofe  that  ^^'^5  <^o/;e  vert :wujly  'mxhi% 
Refpedj  perhaps  Dr.  M at h  ep.  has  ^-xc^/^c  J  then)  all. 

In  my  Sermon  on  my  Father^  I  faid^  by  a  very  mo-* 
derate  Computation ^he  kept  about  Four  'jjundrtd  and 
ffty  Fails  :  1  computed  thus^That  {xomhA?,  ft  a  rtec  nth 
Year  almoU  untoliis  Deaths  he  tho't  l^ivcSi^liftarved 
unlefs  hey^j?^J  oncea  Month  ;  that  he^  when  ce>n-^ 
cerned  in  any  very  great  Affair^  would  alfo  very  often 
keep  Weekly  Fji(h,  fometimes  Mfc>  in  a  Week  ,  and., 
inafmuih  as  he  kept  not  Records  of  ^?/^  th^ Faffs  nc 
obferved  and  fo  I  could  not  exailly  number  theni;,  X 
therefore  tho't  the  Number  above  ipeciiied  to  be  a 
moderate  Cvvipnation, 

I  fhall  here,  give  you  his  Frame,,  his  Sentiments 
and  Ac'^ions  on  two  or  three  of  his  Days  of  F.:iUng^ 
C  in  his  own  Words  )  from  whjch  you  may  judge  o? 
the  reil.  '        '     , 

*■  Setting  apart  a  Day  (^theDay  pail:  )  for  'F^X'^yer. 
^.  ivith  Faftifi;^  in  my  Study  ;  I  judged  my  (elf  before, 
\  the  Lord  for  my  various   Tranfgref lions  ;    and  in 

*  theDiftrefTes  of  my  Soulj  beholding  my  Mifcryty 

*  my  EiUangednef^  from  God  and  Exp(aedncfs  ro  his 

*  Wrath  ;    but     believing   tiiat    the    Lord  JESUS 
'  CHRIST  the  only  Mediator  was  willing  t,o   hiive' 

^  iNlcrcy 


Dr.  Cotton  Ma.tke)r.,  iit 

Mttcy  upon  ine^  after  all  the  Indignkies  I  h2.d  pot 
upon  Hiirij,    if  I  now  looked  unto  Him  :    I  tm- 
neilly  beleeched  Him  gracioully  to  take  Care  of  all 
that  concerned  my  Salvation,  and  rdcueme  ^xjoaaJl 
the  Confulions  I  had  brought  upon  my  ielf  by  my 
leaving  GOD,   and  be  my  ^I'riefl,  'Prophft  audi 
King  forever.  And  I  profefs'd  unto  Him,  that  I  idt 
my  immortal  Spirit  in  his  blelled  Hands,  and  tlhat 
I  would  expert  every  part  of  my  Welfare  as  the  iMt 
of  his  blefTed  Satisfaaion  Sz  Inter ceffim  ;  arid  tiaat 
I  woiiJd  fubmitunto  his  glorious  I>ominioii,  Pijwcr 
and  WiTdom  fo  as  never  willingly  to  withdraw  fi:oaii 
the  tt^guiations  of  them  -,  but  1  would  fly  unto  lais 
precious  jBkod  for   Pardon  whenever  I  percdveJ 
in  rny  felf  any  Deviations-     And  I  concluded  wklb 
a  trifiipphant  Faith  that   He  would  do  mc  Goodlji 
and  GoD  would  have  no  Controverfy  with  me  ; 
and  that  I  fhotild  after  a  defireable  manner  Know^ 
Love  and  Honour  Him ;  and  that  I  dial!  find  my 
■  never  dying  Soul  under  the  peculiar  Care  of  a  iiier- 
ciful  Redeemer  in  the  Times  of  the  greateft  Extre- 
mity that  fhall  or  can  ever  come  unto  me  \ — 
—Thus  on  one  Day: 

On  another  Day  be  WTites  thiis  ; 
*  This  Day  having  htimbled  my  felf  and  fudged 
'  my  felf  before  the  Lord  for  my  many  Provocations, 
^  and  "jcatcred  n;y  Couch  ivirh  viy  ^ears  iu  the  Ap- 
^  prehenfion  of  my  exceeding  \'ilcnefs  ;  ^t  iengtli 
'  1-loods  of  Tears  gulhed  from  me  in  my  laying  hoM 
^  on  the  pardoning  Mercy  of  GOD  in' JESUS 
^CHRIST.  The  Spirit- of  the  moil  High  bro't, 
=^  me  to  a  marvelkuz  l^ivifer  which  was  to  me  like 
^  the  very  Suburbs  of  Heaven ^  wherein  He  dlured  me 
^  chat  all  my  Sins  ivpre  forgiven  ;  and  that  his  Anger 
'  in  the  fenieof  wh?ch  my  Soiil  trembled^  fV.ouidno 

*  more  burn  againil  me.  Upon  this  I  called  unto 
^  mind  t\it  Names  of  as  many  Perfons  as  I  could  any 

*  ways  learn  had  reproached  and  injured  me;  and  I 
"^  moft  heartily  beg'd  the  GOD  of  Heaven  on  the 
^  behalf  cf  them  oas  by  one^thatj^hcy might  hckk/J'^d 


ii»-  The  Lfje  of 

'  ^'jMt^b  mthe  meffwgs  cfGoodnefs,  and  .fuch-.Bler- 

*  iings  efpecially  as  were  molt  fuitable  for  them. 

^  I .  alfo  befought  the  Lord  that  I  might  never  Sin 

*  againll  Him .  wiih  \''ill  or  Defign  or  Delight  any 
'  jnprs  :  I  profefs'd  unto  Him  that  Ilhould  rejoice  to 
*■  Dy  this  very  Day,  if  I  might  be  everlaftingly  deli- 

*  vered  {Yomfmmng  againft  Him  :  I  declared  before 
'  Hin:  that  I  was  very  fure  I  fhould  ,be  witn  CHRIST 
*"  e'relong,  and  joyfully  behold  his  Face  mfwlefs 
^  Glory  \ 


<3n  another  fuch  Day  I  find  in  his  Papers,  ^  That 
^  he  did  with  Plenty  of  Tears  lament  his  Wretched- 
'  nefs  :  And  herein,  fays  he,  I  was  carried  forth  to 

*  declare  unto  the  Lord,  that  having  difhonoured 
^  His  glorious  Namey  if  there  were  no  other  way  for 
'  the  Honor  e^f  itto  be  recovered  except  in  my  Ruin y 
'  I  laid  my  felf  down  at  His.  holy  Feet  to  be  difpofed 
'  of  for  ever  by  Him  as  He  fhould  pleafe.  But  yet  I 
^  faid,  that  His  Name  was  ^G  02;  that  ivould abuH- 

*  damly  'Pardon,,  and  that  He  had  provided  a  way 
*■  fo»-  the  Glory  of  it,  and  that  whofoever  will  accept 
'  of  Salvation   in   and   thro^  CHRIST  fhould  upon 

*  His  Word  be  fur?  to  have  it;  and  fo  I  concluded 
T  with   Aifurance  that  the  Lord  JESUS  CHRIST 

*  was  inter ceeding  for  me,  and  that  bccaufe  He  had 
'  Liv'd  <k:  :2)ied  I  fhould  not  Dy  but  Live.    And 

*  thefe  Motions  of  Soul  in  me  were  accompanied 
^  v^irh  very  rapturous  Hallelujahs,  with  Tranfports 

*  of  Love  and  Praife  ;  telling  the  Lord  that  now  I 
*■  would  be  His  forever,  and  I  longed  now  to  ht 
"^  with  my  REDEEMER  in  the  Manfions  that   are 

*  above  v/hcre  Ifhall  certainly  be;  but  for  one  Reafon 

*  I  defired  to  Live  a  few  Days  more  upon  Earth,  evert 

*  that  I  might  Labour  &:  Suffer  for  Him,  and  Serve 
^  Flirn,  where  I  had  finned  againll  Him ;  And  this 
^  (hall  be  my  Work,  all  the  L")ay  long  while  I  have 
^  a  Day  to  Jive. ' 

Ther? 


Dr.  CoTTOx^  MathePv  ii^ 

.  Ther;^  was  once  a  Time  and  a  Thing  in  which 
the  Doctor  was  full  of  diltre's.     His  Temptations  and 
Difficulties  were  extraordinary  :  He  thought  himielf 
c^aJled  unto  more  than  ordinary  Humiliations,  Suppli- 
cations and  Refignatiqns,     In  this  Time  he  rarely  Ice 
a  Week   pafs  without  fctting  apart  a  i)ay  for  Fafling; 
'with  ^Prayer {qx  m^LVxy _Momhs  together;    and   cveic 
rio>v  and  then  he  had  his   Vigils  for  a  Converfatior^ 
yith  Heaven  ^  and  every  Day  /for  the  moft  part   he 
Md  pne  lecret  Prayer  more  than  he  ufed  to  have  anc| 
lay  proftrate  in  the  Duft  v^ith  Tears  before  the  Lord, 
yet  he  tho't  it  neceflary  to  do  romething  mbre  than  all 
this. 

He  had  often  In  his  Life  fcept  tn.vo  7) ay s^  of  fe//'/^ 
and  "Prayer  in  one  Week  :  But  now  he  was  refelved 
to  fpend.  Tkree  Tfays  after  this  manner  in  his  Study, 
and  befeechthe  LOBS)  thrice^  knocking  at  the  Door 
of  Heaven  for  three  ^ays  together  ';  and  he  was  car-» 
ried  thro'  the  Undertaking  even  beyond  wh^t  his 
feeble  Conftitution  could  have  looked  for. 

He  wa.s  defirous  that  each  i)ay  iiioiild  have  i"t'$ 
peculiar  Cbara6fer,  tho'  there  were  many  geneVai 
Strokes  of  Devotion  which  were  common  to^iill  the 
Days* 

The  Characfter  offHe/fr/?  iS^^  v;&  Co/Tftj^n  ofl, 
and  Contrition  for  the  Sins'which  might  expofe  hini 
to  the  Difpleafure  of  Heaven  ;  (  in  which  he  ufed  a 
Catalogue  of  Things  forbidden  and  required  in  the. 
Commandments yzs  well  as  the  Ingredients  of  Ori^itl^k 
Sin  )  and,  he  petitioned  for  the  Pardon  ofall  thro'  ih^ 
Blood  of  the  Lord  JESUS  CHRIST. 

The  Ch.ara<^er  hUbe  fcccnd  i>ay  #as  Rch^nati- 
en  to  the  mil  of  G  O  'B  in  Vvharever  Sorrovvs  had  be- 
fallen him,  and  in  the  forrowful  things  which  he, 
<:ould  imaglhe  might  poiFibly  te  infJi-.^ed  on  him.. 
He  found  aftonilliing  EiuatalnmLht  ficiri  Hedveh  in 
^his  Adion. 

^The  lin.^ul.ir  Chair-iilcr  cf  the   third  2)ar  was 
Reqifejl ;   firil:  for  Help  tinder  and  ^gaihft  all  the. 


114  ^he  Life  of 

Affaults  of  ^*:^ptatio'ns  upon  him  ;  and  then,  fot^h^ 
Jifigelical  Minifiry  to  be  employ'd  on  his  Behalf  and 
for  his  Help  in  thofe  Cafes,  in  which  the  Heirs  of 
Sahatlon  ufe  to  be  befriended  by  the  Minijlers  who 
do  the  Tkafure  of  the  LO  R7). 

I  will  now  ufe  his  ow^nExprefiicns  :—  ^  MyThrei 
*  jDays  left  me  in  a  very  defireable  Frame ;  very  fear- 
*"  ful  of  Sinning  againflGOD,  very  raifed  in  my  tho'ts 
*■  of  CHRIST,  and  Heaven,  and  very  watchful  to  do 
'^  Good  and  bring  forth  Fruit  unto  the  LORD. 

*■  But  becaufc  an  Admlflion  to  extraordinary  inti- 
'  mate  Communion  with  Heaven  ufes-to  be  followed 
*■  with  fore  !Buffetings  from  Satan  either  by  internal 
*"  Imprefjions  or  ei<ternrA  Occurrences,  I  had  a  tremb- 
*■  ling  Expectation  of  what  might  follow  upon  thac 
^  Intcrcoiirfc  with  Heaven  to  which  I  had  bin  newly 
'admitted. 

*  lloe  Evil  that  I  feared  came  upon  mcy  but  yet  I 
^  received  a  marvellous  Harveft  of  the  nree  Days, 
*■  The  Dcfign  of  them  was  obtained  to  Admiration '. 

I  will  infert  but  one  m.ore  Day  of  Trayer  ivith 
Faflin^,  which  he  kept  under  fome  Temptations  j 
on  which  I  fmd  he  has  entred  this  Record. 

'^  It  Vv'as  a  Day  full  of  zltonifliing  Enjoyments,  t 
'  Day  filled  withReiignation;,  Satisfadion  di  Heavenly 
^  Aflcniinments.  Heaven  h^s  as  it  were  been  opened' 
'^  unto  me  this  Day.  Never  did  I  fo  long  to  dy  and 
•  fly  away  into  Heaven  i  J  have  leen  and  felt  unutter- 
^  able^thing^y  I  have  ta^ed  that  the  LORtDis 
'  gracious.  I  can  by  no  means  relate  the  Communi-^ 
*■  cations  of  Heaven  to  which  I  have  been  admitted. 
f  Jam  now  fure  that  the  great  GOD  is  my  GO 2), 
''^  that  I  {land  before  HIM  in  the  Right ecufnefs  of 
^  CHRl^r,that  no  Good  Jb all  be  ivith^hsld  from  we, 
^  that  Q^P^' will  ufe  me  to  glorify  HLM  greatly,  and 
'^'  that  l^^ll  be  anObjcd:  for  theEverlaiting'l  nuinphs 
^  of  itif-nftc  Grace. 


Dr.   COTTdM   MA-iTHtR.'  I £5 

^  I  was  fcarce  able  to  bear  the  Eatajiss  of  Tiivip^ 
.«f  Zove  into  which  I  was  raptured.  They  exhauiled 
^  my  Spirits  ;  they  made  nic  faint ,-.  they  were  infup- 
^  portable  ;  I  was  forced  to  withdraw  from  them  lelt 
^  the  Raptures  Ihould  make  me  iwoon  away  \ 

,  I  could  produce  a  vaft  Multitude  more  of  his.En-f 
tcrtainments,  his  Tho'ts  and  Methpds  on  Days  cF 
FafttHs-s^  but  it  would  fwcll  this  Book  to  too  great  % 
Bulk. 

.  i.  I  come  therefore  to  write  of  his  ^hankfgiving$\ 
which  were  very  numerous  :  I  Ihall  colled:  but  thrtQ 
Inflances  out  of  the  many  that  arc  before  me> 

On,  one  Day  he  kept,  he  (et  himrdf ;       ,. 
.    I.  To  recoUe5l  tht  memjui  iJif^enfatiofiSO^QOlil 
unto  him.  ;        ,    ;. ; 

2.  To  confider  the  Aggravmons  of  thofe  Mercits 
in  the  Greatnefs  and.  Freenefs  of  them. 

5.  To  rcgifter  them  in  his  Memorials. 

4.  To  acknowledge  them  in  his  2)evoucn$.  . ,  , 
,    5.  To  contrive  what  Returns  he  fliouid  make  by 
way  of  Gratitude  to  GOD. 

(  He  writes^  ^  I  (pent  the  Day  in  fuch  Exercifes; 
f  and  the  fweetnefs  of  them  with  the  heavehly odf^^r'?'' 
f  tus  they  bro't  upon  my  Mind,  made  mc  a  rich  Rs- 
^  compence  for  the  Labor  oftbem  :  .      ^ 

^  In  the  Clcfc  of  the  Day.  coming  to  ponderj 
^  V/bat  pall  I no<w  render  to  the  L0R2J  for  aU 
^  his  benefits} _ 

His  Tho^tsare  thus  written  down.    . 
,    *■  I.  Shall  I  not  kye  the  Z0R'.D,2Lnd  be  confiant^ 
^  fervent^  unwearied  m  fervingoFHIM  ?  Efptcinlly  ia 
^  the  Rules  1  have  propofed  for  my  Gonverliuion  ? 

^  II.  Shall  I  not  endeavor  to  Ihine  by  a  good 
^  Sample  ? 

.  ^  III.  Shall  I  not  husband  &:  redeem  the  Gol'^e^i 
^  Hours,  which  I  enjoy  in  the  midit  of  (b  many  SptjI- 
^  Unz^Providemsi  ?  .     , 


its  The  Life  of 

IV.  Shall  I  not  every  Daymt^try  Capacilyj; 
^  Relation,  Company  be  contriving.  What  can  I noiiu 
'  -and  here  do  for  GO  2)}  And  lay  my  felf  out  ac- 
*■  cordingly  ? 

^  Oh  I  That  GOD  Would  help  me  thus  to  do/ 

,  On  another  of  thefe  Thanksgivings  he  writes 
thus  ; 

^  The  Forenoon  of  this  Day  I  fpent; 

^  I.  In  acknowledging  my  own  Viknefs  before 
^  God,  by  v.hich  after  an  aggravated  Manner  I  have 
*"  become  umvorthy  of  all  that  Goodnefs  atrd  liiercy 
'  that  has  foUoived  me  all  my  days. 

XL  In  acknowledging  thofe  Glories  which  belong 
*'  unto  the  great  GOD  as  HE  is  infinitely  excellent  in 
'  Himfclf,  ind  as  HE  is  the  Creator  and  Governor  of 
^  the  World,  and  unto  JESUS  CHRIST  as  HE  is 
*■  one  altogether  lovely.  —  In  thefe  Exercifes  my 
*"  Heart  was  bro't  to  fuch  Frames  as  would  ha'te  turn- 

*  cd  a  'Dungecn  into  a  Paradife. 

'  In  the  Afternoon  I  went  over  the  former  Kind- 
^  'nefjes  of.  GOD  unto  m.y  felf  in  my|27^o'/j,  my 
^  Q^fahnSy  my  Traifes. 

*"  But  I  more  efpccially  finglcd  out  three  things 
^  m  which  1  have  feen  the  Favor,  of  GOD ;  viz.  An- 
^  fwers  to  ^Petitions,  Refcues  from  Temptations  and 
^  thofe  AffiSfions  by  means  of  which  I  hav6  enjoyed 
^  both. 

^  I  eiTay'd  then  to  blefs  the  Lord  for  thofe  Favors 
^  with  v^hich  at  prefentlam  on  every  fide  furrounded;, 
^  fuch  as, 

'  My  Life   and   Health. 

*^  My  Accompliflmients  in  any  Points  of  Lcarn- 

^■''My  v^-ell  furnifh-'d  Library, 
^  My  Improvement  in  the  Miniflry  of  the  Gofpeh 
/  My  peaceable  Settlement  in  a  Place  of  gr^it  Op- 

*  pcrtunitiis  to  <^o  Good. 

^  My  SuCccfs  in  iriy  public  and  private  Labors. 
^  My  Acceptance  and  Intcrell  among  the  People 
'  of  GOD.  ■  '  M^ 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.'  ii^ 

*  My  Enjoyment  of  my  Father  to  this  Day. 

'  The  notable  Growth  and  Peace  of  the  Flock^ 
f  iver  which  I  am  a  ^Pafior. 

^Having  employed  my  Admirations  and  Adora- 
^  tions  upon  the  Grace  from  whence  thefe  Things  do 
^  come  unto  me  ;  I  then  came  to  confider  the  jn^ 

*  Grace  of  GOD  unto  me  in^ 

'   '^  Tna  G//>ofCHRIST  unto  the  World. 

^  The  Offer  of  HIM  unto  my  felj"iv\  particular. 

^  The  ^e/^/^o'ftheNecelfity  ofCHRl-iT,  GOD 
^  has  given  me. 

'  The  Union -wiih  Him  to  which  the  Holy  Spi- 

*  KIT  has  bro't.me. 

*  And  all   the  further   Operations   of  the   Hoi  y 

*  Spirit  upon  my  Soul,  by  which  He  is  coik-inua-ily 
^  making  me  more  meet  for  the  Inheritance  vj  the 
'  Saints  in  Light. 

*  I  concluded  the  Day  with  confidering.  What 
'  pall  I  render  totheLORTi} 

^  I  then  gave  my  Jelf^  my  wholey^//,all  myPowers^ 
^  Members,  Capacities  and  fnterefts  (  which  I  cwn'd 
^  was  the  leafl  that  I  owM  )  unto  the  LORD. 

*.  In  particular  I  added.  That,  fince  I  owed  all  my 
'  good  Things  to  the  Compajfions  oIGor,  I.  wouM 

*  aKvays  be  contriving  hoiv  to  boner  H I  Mj  and 
^  wQuld  procure  fqme  T^efiimony  againft  fome-  com- 
^  moriEvils  in  the  Land  which  are  oiTeniive  to  Him. 

^  And  fmce  itwasthe  Mediation  of  CHRIST  un- 
^  to  which  I  owed  the  Procurement  of  all,  I  would 
^  preach  a  Sermon,  the  Scope  of  vv-hich  ihould  be  to 
'  magnify  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  invite  the 
^  Minds  of  Men  toa:;^'ailiduoviS  ConteinplarioH  of  His 

*  Glories  \      '  '  '•  ■- 

The  Third  and  lad  I  fhall  wrireof;  f]-.alU>e  more 
rarticularly  delcribed  than  tiie  reff-;'  bccauie  of  Icme- 
chinp;  more  imgula-r  and  i!:ilriif^i\''e  iu  it. 

*■  C)n  this  Day,  I  coniic'ered  that  as  by  the  Tycifa 
''  ot  God,  I  ibould  bccf  ime  like  the /(-cv/  yh.\it  Isr, 
^"^  !  hijs  it  vvas  a  very  rc::f(  nablc  Thing  that  1  fixuici 
^  t^tilr  my  C)^trao?di.^aryl  raifes  tp.  Miliiijoy  Ilisyjrnf.eh\ 


lit  If ke  Life  of 

^  I  faw  th^it  the  Scripurei  mentioned  the  Mimjlry 
**  of  the  good  u4^g£lS3  about  t^e  Heirs  of  Salvation 
^  with  Frequency;  and  I  faw -that  my  Life  had  beei> 
^  wondrouliy  fighalized  By  the  Miniflry  of  thofe  An- 
^  gels}  Wherefore  loth  to  be  guilty  of  fuch  an  un- 
*"  thoughtful  Negled-  of  the  Angels  as  the  Generality 
^  of  the  Faithful  who  enjoy  the  Affiftanccs  of  thofc 
^  Heavenly  Guardians  are,  I  devoted  this  Day  -  to 
^  glorify  the  GOD  and  Father  of  my  Lord  JESUS 
^  CHRIST  for  the  Mniftry  of  ANG  ELSfy^hkh 
^  has  notably  befriended  mc  unto  this  very  Day,  And 
'^  I  expected  in  this  Way  not  only  to  render  my  felf 
^  more  agreable  to  thofe  excellent  Spirits  A>ut  alfo  to 
*^  obtain  from  tbeir  and  my  Lord  a  morrfignal  fhare 
'^  of  their  Influence  than  had  ever  yet  been  granted 
•^  me.    ■  '    '  "  ■'      "''  ^' 

^  In  the  Evening  before  this  Day>  I  was  am^%^3 
^  when  I  behieldj,  But  happy  that  I  plainly  beheld^  the 
<^  happening  of  feveral  Tnings  that  fecmed  as  it  were 
^  contrived  on  Purpofc  toindifpo'fe  me  for  the  Duties. 
^  now  before  mc  :  B.ut  I  comfortably  got  over  all  the 
^  Indifpofitions, 

*■  Twill  be  necdjefs  to  relate  how  manjr  J^'m»s  I 
*  fang  referring  to  the  ^«^e/io   ■  '    ■ 

^  Iw  the  Morning  I  wrote  an  Illuftration  upon  a 
\  Text  about  the   good  Angels  :   And  I  made  my' 

f  Famly-Ojferikg  fuitablc  to  the  D-efign  before  me.  '" 

^.  Ab3D  one  Z/cju  which  I  laid  upon,  my  felf  this 
^  Day  was^  that  in  all  the  Intervals  of  more  ftated' 
^  "thinkingy  as.  I  paffed  from  one  Objefl  to  another^ 
^  I  would  make  Ejaculatory  l'hanksgivins,s  unto  the^ 
^  Lord  upon  all  the  Occafions  which  ofFcr'd  thcm- 
'  fclves  unto  me.  But  how  many  Scores  of  Ejacula- 
'  tions  thus  occafionally  acknowleging  the  Greatnef?, 
^  and  Goodnefs  of  God  palled  h'om  me  this  Day,  I 
^  cannot  reckon. 

^-  My  chief  Excrcife  in  the  Forenoor>  was.  To  con-^ 
•^.ilder  exa-fllyj  and.  with  aj  much  of  Scripture  and-, 

^      •  •      ■  .  .  c  Lc?.rr.ing^ 


3Dr.  Cotton  MATiiER,  jr<j 

5  Learning  as  I  could^  'the  £>:ifle?ice,  the  Trcp^rtiss 
f  and  the  Relations  of  the  good  Angds.j  .and,  the 
'  Honor,  but  notWorpl(yA(^<^  to  thofe  benign  Spirits: 
^  And  then  to  run  over  the  marvellous  References  to 

*  their  Minlflry  which  I. have  here   and  there  found 

*  fciittered  in  the  Oracles  of  God  ;  whether  toward* 
^  particular  Saints  or  towards  tht  CbUrc'h'  in  Gene  ml 
^  Thcfe  Confiderations  with  a  vaii:  V  ariety  took  in 
^  the  chief  of  the  Story  of  the  'Bible  together  with  the 
^  Apocalyptical  Prophecies^  efpccially  in  the  ^trumpets 

*  and  K#^/i  wherein  An^/As  are  concerned.  But  my 
^  Confiderations  were  iiill  dircded  unto  the  Lord 
<  with  my  Dciires^  that  HE  fhould  forever  be  mag- 
^  nified  and  glorified  for  the  Things^  in  which  he  had 
^  thus  commifiioned  his  Angels  to  be  his  Meffengcrs 
^  and  his  Inilrumcnts. 

*  I  cannot  fully  exprefs  the  Elevation  of  Soul ,  ^^ith 

*  which  I  went  thro'  thefe  noble  Exercifes  ;  which 
^  Exercifes  at  laft  I  concluded  with  Aifurances,  that 
'  I  fhould  one  Day  come  to  fraife  H  TM  that  fets 
'  upon  the  throne  and  the  Lamb  in  the  Company  of 
^  his  holy  Angels  forever. 

^  In  the  Afternoon^I  looked  over  ^omt  Cat aloc!:^ues 
•^  0/ JlferaVi  received  from  the  God  of  Heaven^  which 
'  I  had  heretofore  entred  into  my  'Diaries  ;  and  by 
^  comparing  of  what  I  read  in  the  Book  of  Heaven 
♦.  about  the  Agency  of  the  Angels,  I  examined,  where 
^  I  might  make  an  Allowance  for  their  fuboidinats 
^-  Agency  in  my  ov^n  Affairs. 

'  The  main  Heads  of /i^/W'-;6'^■  done  for  mev;hlch 
'  the  Word  of  Cod  permitted  me  to  count  A^i- 
^  gelical  were  thefe. 

^  L  I  have  Reifon  to  think,  that  tlie  "Pareutal  Gq- 
•^  vernmenty  which  in  my  Childhood  was  a  thouHmd 
^-  Ways  a  BleiTing  to  me  had  a  Blafs  very  often  given 
*c  to  it  by  the  Angels  of  Gor. 

M  confidcrcd  ^uJ.  xWi  12.  13.  and  Afat.  n.  u. 
I  4  ^iLI 


UL*  'Tke  Lije  of 

^  IL  I  hTLVthin preferved  in  and  from  many  2)^;^- 

*  gers  while  I  was  yet  a  C^/A'  by  the  Angeh  look- 
"^  ing  after  me, —  I  confidtied  J/^r.  Xyill.  lo, 

<■  III.  In  my  Education  I  was  wonderfully  circum- 
^  ilanccd  by  Helps  and  Means  of  Learning,  by  a  Ca- 
^  pacity  to  Learn  and  kind  Conduct  of  Tufors^y^hidx 
•^  the  Angels  doubtiefs  influenced,  --■>  I  conlidereq 
^  Gen.  XXL  17.  i8.  i^.     ' 

^  IV.  When  Epidemical  Sicknefs  have  carried  off 
^  many  of  my  Neighbours,  and  I  have '  bin  in  the 
^_  midll  of  them,  I  have  been  kept  unto  this  Day,  b)f 

*  the  Angels  about  me.  —  I  confidered  "PfaL  XCI.  3.4; 

^  V.  I  have  made  many  Journeys  and  never  yet 
^  came  to  any  Harm  in  any  of  them  :  The  Angels 
5  were  my  Keepers;-^ I conlidered  ^?y^/.  XCI.  ii.  12. 

*■  VI.  I  v/as  blcffcd  with  an  early  Converfion  to 
^  God  ;  and  the  blefled  Spirit  has  bin  ever  fince 
*^  wondroufly  at  v,'ork  upon  my  Soul  to  fit  me  for 
*"  the  Society  of  Angeh  in  a  better  World.  Here 
*"  w^as  a  Joy^  and  as  to  raany  Circumftances,  a  Work 
^  of  Angeh.  — -  I  confidered  Luk.  XV.  10. 

^  VIL  My  Call  to  the  Miniftry  of  the  Gofpel, 
^  and  the  Hearts  of  People  being  fo  difpofed  that  I 
^  have  had  my  Call  in  foTemarkable  a  Place  as  where 
^-  my  Lot  is  call,  has  bin  a  Thing  full  of  Wonders'^ 
*■  and  I  don't  fear  to  fay  full  of  Ang-eh,  — .  I  confi- 
^  dcred  A_clsXYl.  9,  10. 

'  VIIL  Tv^^Tyoov  c^  Utterance  Opened  for  me 

^  hath  Tome  iurprifing  things  in  it,  which  I  am  ccr- 
^  tain  have  proceeded  from  the  Angels  of  God.  -—I 
^  confidered  Luk.  I  ic.  Jfa.  VL  d.  7.-  '. 

'  IX.  My  fi:range  Oppcrtumties  to  do  Good  and 
^  and  ft^rve  the  Church  of  Christ  both  hyfpeakin^ 
■^  dnd  W/iflng  j   ^nd  the  Impulfe  I  have  often  had 


Dr  Cotton  Mather.  izj 

*  upon  my  Mindl_,  at  which  I  have  often  bin  amaz'd 
^  I'hejrc  has"  bin  the  Energy  of  Angek  in  thefc 
5  Things. —  I  confidcred  Jiil.  x.  30^32.  A61,  viii.  2^.* 

'  X.  My  Marriages  have  bin  under  the  DirecSlion 
^  of  Angels,  and  the  Condition  of  my  Family  alfo.  — ' 
^  Iconfidered  Gen.  xxiv.  7, 

^  XL  The  Proviiipn  of  a  Foo3  co»venient  for  rne, 
'  have  frequently  bin  fo' ftrangely  tlm'd;,  that  I  we're^ 
'  blinder  than  a  ilone  if  I  fhould  not  fee '  Angels  my 

*  Providers.  —  I  coniidered  ^faklxtvnl  25. 

'  XII.  UNREASOlsfASLE  Men  that  had 
f  no  Faith  have  Zealoufly  fought  my  Ruine  for  my^ 

*  Faithfulnefs  to  the  Intereft  ot  Christ  ;  but  I  have 
'  had  an  Hofi  of  Angels  for  my  Guard.  —  I  confi- 
^  deredG^^.  xxxiii.  4.  and  fZ)^/?.  vi.  22. 

^  XIIL  My  /c/?  Health  has  bijj  refrored  and  prolon- 
*■  ged  ;  Have  not  the  Angels  bin  my  '■'Pbyftcians.  — 
*^  I  confidered-Jz-'biS^^v.  4. 

*"  XIV.  Many  a    Time  have  I  bin   ready  to  do 

*  thofe  Things  which  would  have  bin  very  contrary 
^  to  God's  Glory  as  well  as  pernicious  to  my  own 
^  TVclfare;  but  I  have  bin  llrangely  hindred  :  By 
'  whom  ?  Truly  the  Angels  odhf^Lo^D.  —  I  confi- 
^;  dcx^ed  Nwwr'.  xxii.  32. 

*"  Such  Things  as  thefel  did  with  multiplied  Halle-^ 
-*  lujabs  acknowlege  on 'my  Study  Floor  before  the 
'  LoRP.  And  in  the  midft  of  my  rapturous  Praifc;* 
^  I  could  not  forbear  faying,  'Bkfstke  LOR\D,  O 
**'  my  Soxd,  and  forget  not  ail  IBs  benefits  !  And,  if 
^  anv  good  Angels  ofthp  LORD  are  noiv  nigh 
'.,  ufito  me,  2)0  Tou  alfo  blefs  the  LO  R'D  ye  Hea- 
^ '  venly  AHf?i.flers  ;  And  Oh,  ad  01  e  that  free  Grace  of 
'  HiSy  -zvhich  employs  Tcu  to  be  ftrvl(:cai>l'e  to  fo  foor^ 
^•fo  rn^an^  fo  "Jtle  tJirc-tch  as  iS  herg  piojlraji^^hefore 

W     "      ■  ■  ^  From 


M±i:  .    21?^  Zffe  4 

^  From  hence  I  went  on  to  Suf^lkath^j:,  tlia^ 
^  the  great  God  would  go  on  more  than  ever  to 
'  employ  His  gocd  J^gels  for  my  Good,  which  I 
^  alfo  then  particularized  in  many  Articles  ;  and  that 
^  He  alfo  would  prefcrye  mc  from  th^  Illiifions  and 

*  Injuries  of  Eml  ones,         "  •  .  !.  ^ 

'  I  then  eoniidcrcd:,  Whaj^  Returns  I  fhould  make 
^  unto  the  Lord  for  the  Senefits,  vshich  I  have  rccei- 
^  ved  by  His  Angeh.  And  here  I  tho't  on  the 
'  Meffage  which  an  Angel  bro't  from  Heaven  unto 
'  one  of  his  Fellow  Servants  towards  the  Ciofe  of  * 
'  Day  fpent  in  extraordinary  Devotions,  "ithou  art 
f  a  kejireahk  MAN,  [  ^an.  ix.25.  ]  So  Ifpentan 
'  Hour  or  two  in  confidpring  what  would  rcnaer  ms 
5  fuch  a  Man. 

^  One  {pecial  Thing  wherein  I  propofed  unto  my 
^  felf  a  way  to  become,  defireahk  was  to. become  Jtn^ 

*  gelical. 

^  —-  Accordingly  ^  confidercd ; 

^  How  the  Angih  were  continually  engaged  m 
^  beholding  and  admiring  the  Glories  of.  the  great 
*■  GOD.  [^Mat,  xviii,  10.  ] 

^  How  2l7ey  were  continually  ftudying  the  T^^tf- 

*  ries  of  Redemption  by  Jesus  Christ   with  the 
^  Characters  and  Approaches  of  His  Kingdom,  [i^et. 

*  I.  12.] 

'  How  ?7:7fy  were  continually  upon,  the  Wing  to 
'  go  upon  the  Errands  of  the  King  of  Heaven.  [  Tfah 
'.  ciii.  2©,  21.  ] 

*  How  T'tey  were  continually  doing  of  Good  a- 
^  mong  the  People  and  Churches  of  the  Lord^,  [^Hel^. 

'  I.  14-  J   ' 

^  How  T/>^3'  took  particular  Satisfaction  in- the 
'.  Converfion  of  miferablc  Sinners,  [  Zuk.  xv.  10.  ] 

'  How  the  Angels y  in  fine,  vv^ere  very  Holy.'-— ^ 

*  Thele  Thmgs  I  confidered  for. my.  ov^n  Imitariof;. 

r  But  for  the  Clofe  of,  all;  becaufc  I  tho't  it 
'^.  would  be  a  little  A/^gelkal^    zs  well  .as  othcrwife 


Dr.  Cotton  MATHtRr  ^^^ 

*f  ax^eaih^  I  took  a  Lift  of  many  poor  People  in 
*  my  Flock  with  fonfie  C^r^  to  hav«  their  Necefil- 
f  tie«  relieved  agatnft  the  approaching  Winter  ". 
And  fo  the  Day  ended, 

5 »  It  is  impoffiblc  for  mc  to  tell  hov^  many  Vr- 
ciLS  Dr.  Mather  kept^  he  not  always  keeping  an 
Account  ofthc^m  :  I  Ihall  therefore  only  in  general  let 
you  know  that  he  frequently  in  former  Years  con- 
vcrfcd  witU  his  Saviour  in  the  Ni^^r  Watches, 

He  confidcred  that  the  Primitive  Chriflians  in  O- 
bcdience  to  that  Command  of  Watching  mt'o  "Prayer 
fometimes  had  their  Vigils  which  were  of  great  Ufe 
tinto  them  in  their  Chriiltianity.  To  fpend  a  good 
Part  of  a  Night  new  and  then/>;  "Prayer ^  and  Co  take 
the  Advantage. of  a  noBurftnl  Solitude,  and  abridge 
^hemfelves  of  their  ufual  Reft,  for  the  lake  ofa  devout 
Converfacion  with  Heaven;  They  found  God  re- 
warding them  and  the  Devotions  of  luch  Vigils 
with  a  more  than  ordinary  Degree  of  Heavenly  Cbn- 
folation.  And  fo  the  jDoi^'/crlikcwiie  found  it.  He 
has  frequently  witladrawn  from  his  Lodging  agreabla 
enough  unto  Him^  and  in  the  Dead  of  the  Night  has 
retired  unto  his  Study  ;  where  he  has  thrown  aimfelf 
on  his  Floor  in  the  Duft,  and  wrcftled  with  him  in 
Prayer  for  a  great  w^hile  together.  In  doing  thus 
he  was  rewarded  with  unutterable  Communication*.^ 
from  Heaven. 

• 

4.  I  win  here  give  my  Reader  the  Refult  of  three 
S€lf-E:<amif:ations^  \s^\q\\\  find  m  the  M)oHor's  Pa- 
pers, and  which  will  be  fuffkient  to  fliow  how  he 
proceeded  in  that  Exercife. 

I  find  in  onQo^h\sSelf-F.<^minatlons,  p?eparalory 
to  a  Communion^  what  follows  recorded. 

^  I  find;  ("1.1  Not  only  myUnder(ianJln%  fces^but. 
^  my  Will  c\\u'ic$  the  great  God  as  my  beft  Good' 
'■'4ndn^.v  14  End,-      ^  '• 

•       ■  ■■       •  ^  '  I.  My 


124  21&^  ^^^  ^f 

^  lo  My  Ltterefl  in  Him  is  my  grcatcfl  Wijh  and 
«'  Joy.  According  n^^Tfal,  xvL  j,^.  1>fah  lxxiii.25^ 
^  X<jw.  iii.  ^5.  -//>."  xxvi.  15, 

*  Ohje£l.  Then  You  would  be  more  careful  and 
f  carnefl  for  fecuring  it. 

'^  AiJpvo.  1.  I  tn6$rn  under  and  ftrive  againfl  my 
^  ownQoldnefs^  and  endeavour  to  ftir  up  my  felfc  ''■' 

^  2.  My  Zeal  to  make  fure  of  any  other  Enjoy- 
^  ment  is  not  fo  lively  as  to  make  fure  of  this. 

^  1,  Id©  heartily  embrace  and  propofe  the  Glory- 
^  fy^^S  Him^as  the  main  Defign  upon  which  I  woul^ 

*  be  and  live  and  work.  '    '  '' 
'  Qtieft.  HO  U^  do  you  k^-ow  that  ? 

*  i"  By  my  frequent  and  adual  ^edicatiom  to 
^  his  Glory. 

^  By  the  Difpofltion  of  my  Soul  in  'Prayer  for 
'  any  Mercy  ;  above  all  for  that  Mercy. 

^  3.  By  my  exceeding  Satisfaction ^  when  I  fee 
«  God  acknowledged j  eipecially  when  by  me,  or  by 

*  my  means.  * 

'  [2.]  With  much  Dcteftatioii  I  rejecH:  all  that 
'  which  hath  made  any  ^y^^^r^/zo;?  between  the  Lor i> 
'  and  my  Soul.  —Sin  is  that   accurfed  ^hin^,  Ifa. 

*  lix.  2.    Wherefore — I  lament  itj    i  abhor  it  i    I 
5  labor  to  avoid  jt. 

*■  [3.]  I  eflay  to  come  unto  Jesus  Christ  the 
'  ever-glorious  Mediator  that  I  may  be  inflated  in 
*■  the' full  Enjoyment  of  God.  According  to  jfohn 
'  xiv.  ^.  "  . 

^  I-  Thirsty  after  the  Fountain  of  Life  in  Go:3, 
^  to  the  Lord  JESUS  CHRIST  as  the  Way. 

'  2.  I  would  have  none  but  Him  to  be  my  SA- 
'  VIOUR. 

'  3.  I  am  free  that  HE  fhould  execute  every  one 
'  of  all  his  OfHcei  in  the  accompiiniing  of  my  Salva- 
'  tion.  BIcfT-d  be  the  Lord,  who  has  not  left  :n« 
*■  deftitute  of  his  ^Eternal  Mercies. 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.'  ii5 

^  I  employ'd  a  Collcdlion  of  Marks  which  I  had 
^  lying  by  me  ;  I  proceeded  by  dire5i  rather  than 
^  reflex  ones  ;  That  is  to  fay.  Examining  whether  I 
'  had  done  thefe  and  thofc  good  ^rhinp^  I  put  it  out 
•■  of  Doubt  by  doing  them  over  again.  Inciredible 
*■  Sathfa^ion  and  I  hope  fome  Sathfa^ion  was  the 
^  EiFcd:  of  thefc^.blciFed  Exercifes  '\ 

The  Refult  of  the  {^con^  Self- E:<amination^  which 
I  promifcd,  I  find  written  as  follows. 

^  Asking  the  Help  cf  Heaven  in  this  Work^  that 
^  if  I  were  yet  unfound  I  was  defirous  to  begin  the 
^  Work  of  CcnverJio?t  again^  and  anew  go  over  all  the 
^  forrowful  Hours  which  I  had  fcen  in  that  Work  : 
*■  But  that  if  I  (aw  my  own  Sincerity^  my  Hands  would 
^  thereby  be  ftrcrigthned  iri  the  Warfare  to  which  I 
*"  am  called. 

^  I  then  found  fuch  Things  as  thefe,  which  made 
^  me  hope  that  the  Lord  had  begun  a  never  dying 
^  Work  of  liis  Grace  upon  my  Soul. 

'^  I.  The  S:ipretnt?  jycCign  ^nd  Defire  of  my  Soul 
*"  is,  that  God  may  be  forever  glorious, 

■  INFERIOR  Enis  are  become  defpicable 
'  in  my  Eyes  j  and  I  apprehend  thole  to  be  the  viielt 
^  FoclSy  who  live  only  unto  themfelves. 

""  The  Voice  of  my  Soul  is,  OJj,  let  the  Lb  RD 
^  he  magmfied  f  Hence  I  am  contriving  every  IVeeky 
*■  every  i)ay  and  perhaps  oftner  than  (o^  What  can 
^  I  do  for  the  JSame  oj  GO^D. 

^  Hence  my  'Third  Tiktr  an  Enlargement  m  the 
*"  Service  ofGor,,  and  after  t];it  Enjoyment  of  my  ow^n 
*■  Salvation yioci  then  after  the  mofl  melting  Manner 
'  traniport  me,  when  1  think,"  Hereby  the  Glory  cf 
I  (he  infinitely  amiable  G  OD  lall  be  d  if  covered  I 

^  Hekcs 


iadr  ^he  Life  of 

,  ^  Hence  thofe  Things  by  which  the  Ghry  of 
^  God  is  obfcL  red  and  cclipied ;  efpccially  thofe  curfcd 

*  Zujh  of  mine  which  have  robbed  the  Lord  of  that 
f  Ghry  that  I  might  have  bro'fe  ^xm,  do  vex  and 
'  cut  my  very  Soul  within  me. 

^  Finally i  My  Heart  rejoices  in  any  Revenues  of 
'  Glory  bro't  any  way  to  the  Lord  :   I  feel  my   oivn 

*  Ifiterefi  gratified  by  it^  and  fee  my  beft  Frietid  ho- 
*■  nored  and  advanced. 

*  2.  My  Heart  is  infatiably  frefffjg  after  the  N^k 
'  Jlttainmems  of  Religion. 

*■  Oh  !  Whien  I  cbnfider  what  it  v&to  converfe  ijcith 
'  G02)  continually  'y  and  not  only  to  be  living  always 
*"  ^ith  and  upon  and  un$o  the  Lord,  but  alfo  to 
'  love  no  Creature  except  in  Yiiu,  and  for  Him^ 
*■  and  to  have  Him  for  my  All  in  ally  My  Heartj 
•^  fprings  at  it.    I  cry^  I  flrive,  L0R2J,  let  me  thus 

*  araw  near  unto  THE  E. 

*■  And  herein  the  Lord  gives  me  fome  Ey^pcrienct 

*  that  is  exceeding  defireablc. 


^  For  when  I  have  bin  mightily  carried  forth  iri 

*  my  publick  Difpcnfations  I  have  taken  Comfort : 
*■  In  what  ?  Not  that  any  Gifts  of  Mine  have  been 
^  ieen,  but  that  the  Q^ou'er,  the  Wifdom^  the  Good'^ 
'  nefs  and  T'rutb  of  the  glorious  God  have  glitter'd^ 
'  tbro'  me  as  thro'  a  forry  Lanthorn  to  the  View'  of 
^^  many  Hundreds  at  a  time.  This  even  diffolves  my 
*■  Heart  and  caufes  me  to  love  that  God  who  has  ho- 
^  nored  Himself  by  me. 

^  Hence  alfo  my  Spirit  grows  more  unconcerned 

*  about  keeping  or  loling  any  Creatitre  Comfort.^, 
"^  \  Confolatiuncuhs  Creaturulas ;]  for  1  can  encottra<^e 
<  wyftlfin  the LORVmy  GOTi. 


t)r.  Cotton  MiTHak."  ti^ 

^3.1  drive  a  continual  Trade  of  the  moft  exa6l,  ex- 
^  flictP  Addn(Tes  unto  the  Lord   Jesus  Cmrist, 

*  who  is  the  Mediator  between  God  and  Man  ;  fol- 
^  liciting  Him  to  accomplilh  xht  great  Work  at 
^  bringing  my  G  0  2)  and  my  Soul  together,  and  fulfil 
^  ^M  his  Offices  in  the  Doing  of  it. 

^  4.  My  Refj^e^itwto  tie  Commandments  of  go  2) 

*  is  Univerfal.  Be  a  Precept  never  fo  difficult  and 
'  fo  likely  to  be  rfecoiled  at  by  Fkjh  6c  Shod,  if  I  fee 
'  a  is  GOLD'S,  my  Soul  fays,  'Tis  Good  I  let  me  Obey 
^  it  till  Idy  1 

'  5,  Let  my  0'zt;«  Iniquity  aflault  iftc  with  never  fo 
*"  much  Vehemence  and  Violence,  I  never  let  go  the 
'^Combat  :  But  if  I  am  foiled,  I  mourn  ^  lam  hum- 
'  bkdy  lam  grieved  exceedingly  ;  and  with  extreme 
^  Ardor  and  Anguifh,  I  keep  crying  unto  Heaven  for 

*  Help  ;  lefolving  fo  to  do  while  1  have  a   Day  to 
\  Live.—  Wherefore,  mejsthe  Lord,  O  my  Soul  ! '' 

In  the  third  and  laft  Eicamination,  which  I  iball 
mention,  his  Soul  fallies  forth  unto  thcfe  three  ABs 
#/'  elevated  Ckrifiiaf)iiy. 

*■  (i.)  Lord,  I  am  To  fatisfied  in  the  infinite  G/c^rr 
*■  and  Greatncfs  ci  uVj  l^ov.T)  Jesus  Christ,  and  of 
*■  Thy  infinite  Regard  to  Him,  that    I  wholly  give  up 

*  my  fcif  unto  that  illufirious  Lord  ;  and  I  pitch  up- 
^  on  it  as   my  chief  Happine Is  to  kivc  Him  forever. 

(i.)  Lord,  I .  am  in  fuch  ill  Terms  with  my  <T//7, 
'  that  I  mofl  heartily  give  Thanks  unto  Thee  for 
^  the  m.ofl  bicur  and  hui^)bling  Difpenfations  of  thy 
'  "Frcvidence  towards  me  that  have  any  Tendency 
^  to  mortify  it. 

^  f;.)  Lord,  I  will  always  be  at  lVork\ox  Thee, 
'  and  be  fo  far  from  thinking  miuch  of  any  Work, 
^  which  1  may  do  forTiiEE,  that  whatever  Sufferi.vgs 

do  bcfali  me  for  the  [akc  of  t/jat  TVork^   I  will  rc- 

^  joycc 


»i»  "the  Life  (?/ 

^.  joice  in  them  exceedingly  '^— .  Thefe  three  Self- 
Examinations  will  give  you  a  Specimen  of  his  Procc- 
<iure  in  that  Employment. 

5.  HIS  Morning  ThoUs,  vmnner  of  [finding  Sa- 
turday-Afternoons^ and  Mstbcd  of  SiiUari- 
^ing^  his  Reading  of  the  Scriptures  and  Applic  a - 
tk)n  of  the  IPromifeSy  Employment  of  his  Mind  at 
She  Eucharifi.,  ivith  his  prayers  at  the  Sacra- 
ment^ his  Petitioning  for  three  Favors 3  and  his 
'Refolution'for  a  Walk  ivith  GOD. 

[i.l  I  have  already  written  of  the  fiated  Courfe  of 
Thinking  he  obferved  for  cveryMorning  in  the  Week : 
I  fliall  here  juft  let  you  know^  that  the  Dotftor  con- 
ilantly,  befideshis  Reflexions  upon  the  ^efxion  for 
the  Morning],  fixed  his  Rifing  "Tho'ts  in  the  Morn- 
ing upon  fome  Scripture,  which  might  be  of  fpecial 
Confequence  to  his  befl  Intereils. 

One  Example  may  fervc  for  all  here :  The  Text 
lie  chefe  for  one  Morning  was  that  in  Zech  xiii.  i. 
On  which  his  Tho'ts  were  under  thefe  Heads  j 

I.  The  Shod  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  fitlv 
compared  unto  a  Fountain. 

z.  ^Tis  an  open  Fountain.     . 

3.  The,  End  of  it  is  the  Wiifiing  a^vcay  of  Sin. 
.  Of.  S I N  is  therefore  to  be  looked  on  as  the  vilefl 
Unckanfiefs.    , 

It  would  take  up  too  much  Room  here  to  defcribc 
at  large  this  Method  and  the  Ufefulnefs  of  it :  All  I 
fhall  add  about.it  is,  that  Dr.  Matheb.  v.cot  ovck 
many  Portions  and  Chapters  of  the  Bible  \n  ihli 
Me:hpd^  and  handled  multitudes  of  Cafes  referring  to 
the  moft  important  Points  in  Chriflianity. 

,   [2.]  H.E   had  a  particular  holy  Way  of  fpending 
the  Afternoon  of  Saturdays. 
-—His  Method  was  this  ; 
I.  Maki:4'J  three  Prayers. 

ThIc 


Dr.  Ooi**t'0>«    MOTHER.'  ii^i 

Th«  f^^^)  fas  he  begU^  other  Aft^mdoni  )  icon- 
Tifting  of  -Tralfes^  unto  God  for  His  Mercies  uritb 
Him:,  and  his  Rcq'UeJts  oii  the  behalf  of  others. 

The  fecondj  confifling  of  more  JI(rml  Converjh 
ijvith  Gop,  in  renewir^.g  of  Govenan't  and  Cloibres 
with  Jesus  Christ  ^nd  the  like. 

The  thirdj  confifting  of 'P^/^//6'//.^  jciuiing  co  the 
Minifterlal  Capacity^  in  which  he  was  placed^  and 
particularly  the  Services  of  the  Day  enfuing. 

2.  Thinking  on  that  Qucftibn^  What  is  /?  tJ:^^ 
I  am  jurtljer  to  do  for  the  Name  of  GOID  } 

3.  METi  TT'ATING  oh  the  Truths  of  Gopj 
elpecially  luch  as  hewite  to  deliver  on  the  Morrov;. 

4.  Reading  of  i?cc/:j   and  Singing    of  //j/,;;;jiii 

which  his  Graces  might  be  excrcife'd.     Hefpent  manf 

fiich  Bielied  Afternoons  and  kept  Records  of  them. 
«  ■*■ 

[  5  1  Havi  Hg  fpokeil  concerning  Satitrdcyj  Jif-er- 
noons  \  it  is  natural  to  tu(\\\u^  how  he  f^enttht  SaJy- 
hath  ? 

I  will  here  giv^^  you  what  I  find^  the  "C'dviou:  E^.- 
ercifes  he  went  thro'  or^^  but  o/ie  Subbath, 

Having  the  Evcn'ng  before  laid  afid'e  all  AHairs 
that   might    be  any  Hncumbrance   to    him,   havin 
devoted  the  Evenin;^  to  the  pAercilcs   of  Pjcty^   aii 
charged  His  Family   to  m?ikQ  'Prepararlcn  ior  the 
Sabbath  ;  iri  the  iMorning.  he  awoke  }3leifini>-  Goi^  for 
tmother  Sabbath 3  and  arofe  earlier  than  oii  other  Days. 

He  confidercd  his  iifual  ^Hcfthn  for  tlte  Morn:ng. 
JVhatpall  I  do  for  Phe  Good  QJ'theVktk  that  I  ha^ 
under  my  Charz^e?  He  fang  his  Morrd;rr  Bymn^  and 
fcoming  down  into  his  btuuy  wrote  Ins  ^^ij^icr  to  \\\% 
Qucftiun,. 


I30  f he  Life  of 

He  applied  himfelf  to  his  Maker,  as  for  the  Tar^ 
don  of  his  former  TreipafTes  on  His  holy  Day  of  Reft, 
thro'  the  'Bleed  of  him  who  is  the  Lord  ©f  it_,  fo  for 
Grace  from  Him  now  to  fanftify  his  Day. 

THROurxHouT  the  Day,  he  kept  his  7>oV5  in  an 
agreable  Er?iplcy7n£nt  and  under  the  ncceffary  Govern- 
ment.  When  he  was  not  engaged  in  any  extended 
Exercife  of  Devotion,  he  was  continually  forming 
Almonimm  ofPlet^^from  occafional  Objeds  and 
Occurrences  ;  Every  Thing  about  him  preached  unto 
him,  and  he  ufually  turned  the  LefTons  into  Ejacula- 
tory  "-'Prayers.  If  he  ^ound  his  Mind  begin  at  any 
Time  to  ly  fallow  and  empty  o£  good  "Tho^ti^  he  pre- 
fently  rebuked  it  and  renewed  them.  If  any  evil 
7*100' ts  began  to  make  thelcail  Approach  tohisMind^ 
he  prefcntly  bewailed  it  and  rcjeded  them^  and  railed 
good  ones  contrary  to  them. 

He  fo  took  heed  againfl  Sinning  'uoith  his  tongue ^ 
that  he  did  not  utter  one  Word  on  the  Day,  but  what 
he  tho't  he  did  well  to  fay.  * 

He  wrote  an  Illuflration  upon  a  Text  of  the/^rrfi 
Scripture. 

He  read  a  fuitable  Portion  of  the  Old  ^eftamentifi 
the  Hebrcx  Language.  Another  in  the  French.  And 
then  a  iuitable  Portion  of  the  Neiv  I'ejiament  in  the 
Greek. 

Then  he  made  the  Morning  Grayer  of  his  Study. 

His  Breakfaft  (  which  was  as  his  other  Meals  flen- 
der  \  being  bro*t  hinij  his  Food  was  received  with 
Praifes  to  Gor,  ,and  Meditations  on  the  nobler  Pro- 
vifions  which  He  had  made  for  his  better  Part. 

With  the  like  Difporitions  and  Meditations  he 
anon  tock  the  other  tzvo  MerJs  of  the  Day. 

Hf.  went  down  to  his  Pamily,  fang  and  frayed 
with  them. 

He  gave  Charp;es  to  h\s  Family  to  rememher  the 
Schlath  Day  and  keep  it  holy.  And,  to  the  very 
imall  Children  that  v/ere  to  ihy  at  homc^  he  allign'd 
Untencei  of  the  Bible  to  be  got  by  Heart. 

Hr 


Dif.  CoTtoii  Mather:  i^t 

,  He  retufned  to  his  Study,  and  pray'd  that  the/«^- 
Ik  Sacrifices y  to  which  he  was  going  might  be  pro- 
fitably and  acceptably  carried  on. 

He  went  unto  the  Public,  where  his  venerable 
Parent  performed  the  public  Miniftrations.  The  very 
*BeU  put  him  in  Mind  of  the  joyful  Sound.  Here  he 
gave  fuchAttention  that  not  onePaffage  of  the^^r^^'fr^, 
not  one  Head  ovTe:<ty  and  fcarce  one  Sentence  in  the 
Sermon  paifed  without  his  Mind  m.oving  towards 
Heaven  with  an  adapted  Confeffion  or  ^Petition  uport 
it.  And  every  Vetfe  of  the  'Tfalm  he  accompanied 
ivith  a  Note  and  a  Grayer  deduced  from  it. 

,  When  all  was  finifhedj  he  fet  himrclFto  form  De- 
fires  for  all  the  Rearers y  and  the  Defires  and  Relblves 
ioit his O'vcn  Life;  and  think  on  thofe  Improvements  i^ 
^iety^  to  v/hich  tlie  Subjed  treated  on  might  lead 
him.    ' 

Returning  to  his  Study^  he  read  over  fome  Dif- 
courfes  on  the  great  Sabbatifrn-  which  the  Church  oF 
God  i5  to  look  for^  and  the  glorious  'JThings  "which 
arefpoken  ahom  the  City  of  GO  2)  ^  ajid  the""  Prophe- 
cies relating  to  the  latter  Days.  'I^his  he  did  (as  he 
ufuallydid  )  bbcaufe  he  looked  on^  the  Sabbath  as  a 
peculiar  2^r/>^  and  Sign  o^xht  hlc'iiQA  Millennium. 

Goi  NG  to  his  T'dbhy  he  kd  the  SoUls  of  the  Coin- 
pany  with  as  profitableDlfcourres  as  he  could  entertairi 
them  with. 

And  he  alC)  Jreiv  out  his  Soul  to  the  Hnncrrv  ;  he 
tho't  it  a  Day  proper  to  difpcnfe  KindrelR-s  unto  the 
^oor  ;  he  was  careful  to  have  fome  luch  invited  unto 
his  Table. 

After  this^  he  went  on  to  the  Affairs  of  the 
great  Sabbatifrn.  He  read  a  Paragraph. of  Scripture 
referring  io  it,  with  his  acutcft  and  moil  peh^traring 
Tho'ts  upon  it  and  fuitable  Ejaciilations.  And  he 
fang  an  Hymn  relating  to  it.  . 

Then  proftrate  in  the  Dufljhe  poured  out  affrayer 
for  Zion  i/i  the  2)ufy  ahd  for  ths  Hallening  of  the 
Day  of  God, 

K  t  Ijfoft 


ira 


'The  Life  of 


Upon  this  he  to^'k  tine  Sermon  He  v/as  to  preacK 
irn;ncdiately,  and  run  it  over  iu  that  his  Aiind  was 
formed  into  piopcr  Tempers  and  Wifties  on  every 
Head  of  tiie  berijion. 

He  then  on  hisKneesbewailM  before  theLoRD  fuch 
Slfjs  as  the  Sermon  he  was  to  preach  moft  called  him 
to  )epcnt  of  ;  and  pray'd  ioi:  Grace  to  do  fuch  Things 
hfinlcif,  as  hi^  Sermon  v;as  to  excite  his  Hearers  to  ; 
and  beg'd  for  the  Help  of  Heaven  in  the  Work  before 
kiin. 

He  went  unto  the  public,  and  fpent  about  three 
Hours  in  carrying  on  the  Services  ^there,  in  a  great 
Ajjumbly  with  great  AlTifl-ancefrom  Heaven. 

His  Alind_,  between  the  Concluiion  of  the  Services, 
and  hj^jiu firing  cj  his  flahitatiott^  was  filled  with 
Prayers  that  what  had  palled  might  make  due  Im^ 
preiiions  upon  the  People. 

Excessively  tired  he  drank  his  beloved  7^^_,with 
Prailcs  t;;  the  glorious  God,  and  fome  Tho'ts  on  his 
precious  Benefits  to  which  the  Water  led  him. 

He  made  a  Prayer  for  fuch  jBlellings  as  he  was  daily 
to  ask  fur. 

He  went  down  to  \\\^FL%mily  ;  where  he  catechized 
his  Children  ;  and  vv«int  thro"*  the  Sermons  of  the  Day 
in  a  way  of  Dialogue  with  them  \  and  fang  and  pray'd 
with  them  and  the  Neighbours  that  came  in  to  join 
with   them. 

TiTEN  hecaufod  fuch  of  his  Children  as  could  do 
fo,  to  tell  him,  IVunt  ?ie-iv  Matter  of  'Prayer  they 
ixert  nffrehenfive  of}  And  he  charged  them  to  re- 
tire wirh  it^before  the  Lord. 

Having  alio  ordered  one  of  his  Sons  to  hear  the 
Servants  vq^^  <?c  fay  their  Catechifm  :  he  retired  unto 
hi?  Study  and  meditated  on  that  Point ;  What  have 
I  'eft  unJonc  ibnt  it  \i:ould  Oe  for  my  Conflation  and 
Sdti^faBion  to  do  before   I  dr  ? 

p{^  read  in  a  Book  of  Piety,  a  Sermon  that  might 
ad  J  r.ntn  the  HeavtiAy  Tin6f  ure  on  his  Mind. 

Hr  was  called  to  j>'-ay  ixiith  a  Sick  'Perfon^  unto 
which  he  v/cnt  with  Alacrity ^as  unto  a  Duty  of  rlie 

Sdbbatki, 

He 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.  i-^ 

He  went  again  to  his  ramilyyand  fat  with  them, 
while  each  oi  che  capable  ChiLlren  ruccdiivcly  read 
their  fcvor^  parts  ctTuine  ijcok  of  jDevotlon  to  the 
V^hole  i-aiaily ;  And  he  took  Occafion  from  the  nee 
to  renew  his  Iqflrud ions  to  theni.' 

Then  h^  langWith  his  irair.ily  his  I:v8/Ji/J^^  Hjv:/J. 

H&  retimed  to  his  Study,  and  in  Prayer  gave 
Thanks  tor  the  Mercies  of  the  pail  Day  ;  and  im-. 
plored  a  Parc!6n  for  the  Errors  of  it^  both  of 
which  he  fiideavoiircd  particularly  to  enumcinte,' 
He  committed  all  his  Interells  into  the  Hands  of  his^ 
dear  Saviowe^  and  exerted  a  'Pri;j:i}4s  of  G'  cce  in 
^n  A61  that  was  an  eiident  l^oken  of  'Sdli-'ation,  'that 
iriight  alTure  him  of  his  Safety  ithe'vvcre  to  dy  before 
the  Morrow. 

Flnnlly,  He  declared  before  the  Lor  p,  that  ahhu; 
fome  had  oblerved  a  Reward  of  T'empcral  'l^leifuifi^s 
even  in  the  cnfuing  Week  to  encourage  their  Sabba- 
ti'zing,  he  had  been  abounding  in  this  Work  cf  th^ 
LORiD  without  the  Encouragement  of  any  fuch 
Expedation.  If  never  ^o  much  Difappoii.rment  (^r 
Affliction  fhould  befal  him  in  the  Week,  or  in  the  reli 
of  his  Life,  yet  he  would  go  on  in  the  Labors  cfS'nb- 
djtizlng  to  him  ;  and  alFure  himfelf  that  he  flioul^ 
find  his  Account  in,  fke  llejl.  that  rern^dn^  for  tl.p 
'^^eople  tf  GOTi\  but  renouncing  all  Pretence  to 
Merit  in  his  own  Performances, 

So  he  went  to  Reil.  j  and  iell  afleep  reading  fome 
divine  Author. 

Tms  \  ....__,.   of  Duty  (  .  ......  ,    .,.o  .:>  no  I)V  hi-ji 

on  o;;^  ^^^,^/r2^/?  :  And  aitho' he  found  himielf.very 
'zeT^ry^'yet  his  Spirit  found  thof:  unlpeakable  Coiv 
(olations  and  Advantages  from  iuch  un-ivefri' 4  Sab^ 
l?atiz'ing,  as  carry'd  rieii  Compeniations  with  tlKir.. 

-  '  WniiN  be  reaJ  t.he  Scriptures ,  he  had 
'^'■' V"  and  u(eful  Praclice  in  it. 

^^.is,  a  Co.urfe   of  Reaylirrr  \\\i\\  fich  a  H  ;- 

-4t:on  a5  to  fetch"  at  leafl   one  Objlrv.ifiofi 

K  5  z.y^ 


?54  ^^^  ^^fi  ^f 

"s^nd  one  SuppUcatioff^  (  a  Note  with  a  T'Pl'Jb  )  out  of 
alinoft  every  Verfe  in  the  Bible.  He  had  a  Profpeft 
of  more  than  a  little  Good  by  it  ;  he  tho't  a  great 
deal  of  Truth  and  Gr^<;e  might  pafs  thro*  his  Soul 
in  thus  waiting  upon  God,  and  his  Profped  did  not 
4il  him..  The  Reading  the  Scriptures  ia  fuch  z 
Manner  and  with  fuch  an  Affection  proved  unto  him' 
a  moll  glorious  Opportunity  for  Converfing  with^ 
feoD.  And  he  gave  more  Thanks  to  Heaven  for, 
teaching  him  this  way  of  Liviwg  than  if  he  had  the 
greateil  Earthly  Revenues  beftowed  on  hhn. 

And    here  is  a  proper  Place  to  relate  a  Propofal, 

which  he  drew  up  in  the  Manner  and  Words  follow- 
ing a  Viz, 

^  Let  it  he  a  part  of  my  Bufinefe  every  Day  to  be 
^  applying  of  the  Promises.  There  are  certain  ^r^?* 
^,  mifei  that  are  of  continual  Ufc  in  the.  Chrijfia»'s 
'  daily  ff^alk  ;  and  I  wifh  I  might  every  Day  have, 
^  fome  delightful  Reflections  on  feveral  of  them. 


'  BVBRT  Day.,    I  ihall  have  OccaHoa  for   a 

*  Tromife  of  a  Supply  for  all  my  Wants  in  the  Day  : 
^  Such  an  one  is  that  in  Phil.  iv.  i$,  C  O  ID  "ucill 
'  fupply  all  your  Needs, 

'  EVERT  Day  I  fhall  have  Occafion  for  a 
^  ^romife  of  Grace  to  manage  the  Day  for  the  Glory 

*  of  God.  Such  an  one  is  that  in  Zech.  x.iz.  Iwilf 
'  flren/then  thfm  in  the  LOBJJD,  they  fiall  ivalk  up 

*  and  doivn  in  his  Name  faith  the  LORD. 

'  EV ERT  Day  I  ihall  have  Occafion  for  a 
^  Tromife  of  a  growing  ViBory  over  ^in.  Such  an 
^  one  is   that  in'Mic.  yii.    ip.  He  ^x'ill  fuhdue  our 

*  J/ii^uities, 

'  E  VER  T  Day  I  ihould  have  a  "Promife  of  Sue- 
'^  cefs  in  my  Undertakings.  There  is  one  in  Pfal.  i.  30 
^  Whatfoever  he  doth  jfj^l  profper. 

'  EVERT  Day  I  Ihould  have  a  "Promife  ofTrc^ 
•^  rr^ffion  from  Dangers.  There  is  one  in  Pfal.  xci.  10. 
'  No  Evil  Ihall  befall  thee. 

"      ^  <  EVERT 


Dr.  Co*:ro«  Mather;  13  5 

^  BVERT  Day  I  fhould  have  a  "PrGmlfe  of 
•^  Comfel  in  my  Difficulties.  There  is  on^  in  Pfal. 
^  xxxii.  8.  Iivillififtru>£ltheey  ayid  Iivill  teach  thee 
^Jn  the  Way  'which  then  fiouldft  go. 
'■■^  EVBRT  liay  it  were  good  I  lliould  have  g 
'  ^romife  of  not  being  the  iiwrfe  by  whatever  hap- 
'  pens  to  mc.  ''Tis  to  befound  in  Rom.  viii.  i%.  Ml 
^  things  pall  *H:ork  together  for  Good. 

*^  EVERT  2)av  I  can't  be  without  a  "Promife  of 

*  Eternal  Happnels  at  my  dying  Day.  Here  it  is^ 
'  Luk.  xii,  32.  It  is  your  Father's  good'Tleafure  to 
5  give  you   the  Kingdo-m. 

^  Oh  i  That  Irnight  often  ^-ufr^' 2^^^  be  glancing 
'  at  fuch  Tromifes  as  thefc  !     It   would    be  Heaven 

*  upon  Earth  to  be  doing  fo  ;  and  it  would  have  a 
'  charming  Efficacy  upon  me  for  the  perfecting  of 
f  Holinefs  in  the  Fear  of  G  0 1), '' 

[5.]  Th ElDodior  had  much  Exadlnefs  in  the  Me- 
thods of  employing  his  Mind  at  the  Table  of  the 
Lord.  — >--  1  will  here  t'Tanfcribe  only  the  firft  of  the 
many  Inllanccs  he  recorded  of  his  more  methodical 
Troceedures  at  the  facred  Table. 

Prayer  being  finifhcd^  his  Mind  thus  operated ^ 

^  Do  I  need  the  Lord'Jesus  Christ  ?  Yesj  in- 
^:  finitely  j  but  chiefly  on  two  Accounts. 

^  The  Guilt  of  Sin  on  me  is  mountainous  ;  none 
'  but  HE  can  remove  it :  The  'Pc-zver  of  Sin  in  me 
'  is   marvellous-  none  but  He  can  iubSue  it. 

*"  But  am  I  willing  tp  have  the  Lokp  Jfsus 
■^  Christ  ?  ---Yes;,  moll  heartily. 

^  For  there  is  a  drt\-idful  Ncceffity  that  the  Klife- 
^  riesof  my  Soul  ihould  be  relieved.--  HE  ?,rid  none 
^  but  H-E' can.  relieve  rhcm.     ' 

^  I  capnot  find  any  Thing  unlovely-  in    the    Lord 

'  jEsus'CiiiiiST  ;    all  His  'Benefits   and    Offices    are 

^  defireabVe.— '-' And  there<"'Me,  Lord,  f  am  wiiling. 

'  '  ART'  Thcu  fo  ?,   Tijen  take  HIM,  fays'  the 

''' LoRD^  I  give  H I M  to  "Thse, 


^y.  ^he'  Life  of 

By  this  Time  the  Sacramenttl  Srea^w^^zs  brought 
unto  HijTi  to  ^^?i  the  dxt  ^  which  He  rook  [  ancii 
eat  ]  accoraiagiy. 

And  then  he  proceeded  ;    <"  The  Lord  Jesvs  is 
rrine  i  If  I  am  reauy  to  queflion  it^  I  ni«*y  now  /^^a 
^  andfe/l  ^ni  tafle  it^.     My  Lord  and   Saviour.    L 
may  be  fure^  will  c  igage  fo^  aiy  Good  and  pcifedb^ 
every  part  of  my  Suivauon. 


At  the  Aclminiflration  of  t/:}e  Wine ;  and  after; 
Prayer  ; —  Thui^ 

^  Thf  firft  Ccve/jant  15  broken  ;  It  (peaks  nothing 
^  but  Confurion  to  fallen  Man  :  The  gracious  Goi> 
*^  therefore  enters  into  a  Ne-iv.  Cove/^ant  which  is  of 
"  Grace,  In  it  is  tendered  all  manner  of  Good  for 
^  Believers  on  CuaiST^  the  Mediator  of  than 
^  Covenam. 

^  Am  I  willing  to  come  under  the  Wings  of  this 
^  Ccvenant  ?  —  Yes;  Lord,  Thou  hail  made  mc^ 
*"■  willing. 

^  I'll  EN,  fays  the  Lord,  Here  is  the  New- 
'  T'eftarjcnr  in  my  'Blood. 

By  iLiib  i  ..liC  the  Sacramental  Wine  came  ui)to 
him  ;  he  drank  of  it,  and  thereby  he  had  all  the  Good 
of  tlie  Covenant  fealed  unto  Him. 

He  then  proceeded;  ^  Noixi  I  pall  have  Repsn- 
«:  tiince  Ana  Rpi-nffion  of  Sins.  .  Now  ail  my  Change* 
*^  will  be  well^  Ordered  for  me.  My  God  'wiil  guide< 
^  me  by  Counfel  and  hringmeto  Glory.  AH  tloe  great 
^  and  prcftGUs  Tromlfes  of  God  are  my  Herit^e  and. 
^  be  the  Rejoicu/ig  cf  wy  Heart. 


This  one  Infbnce  may  teach  us  how  to  manage. 
cu?,;  Stp.crdweutal  Meditations  much  to  our  fpiritual 
iiofit.-n^  1  he  Sermons  vvhich  he  heard  prepa- 
jT^iroriir  to  Communion^,  he  made  very  fubfcrvient  toi. 
feii  Meditat'ous  in  this  Way  of  regularly  tnarpalling 
tLcmon  rn:;h  blciFcc],  Occafions. 

«.  B-ur 


Dr.  CpTTON  Mather  5^^ 

'    [<^.]  But  when  iho2)o5ior  hw^^d{  adminiftred  tk^ 
Eiichariii^  his  Devotion  ^^as   very.  ^aaui;ig  and  his> 

^)'^j'f/iexjocding1y  rervent. 

HiS  rrryerSy  poured  out  at  the  Cekbjcatioa  of 
the  Sacrcifiicvp  'lii'ire    dtn-atcd^     as  Gregory  Ni- 
zi  ANZFN'  fays  or/;/i  Fathers^    by  the  Holy  SPIRIT, 
oj^G  O  'D.     Hciarely  adminiftied  on  fuch  OccaQoos 
before  the  "Loi^i:),  without  lignallrradia^tions  of  Mind 
a  ;i  veiy  inj a rgiijig  Influences.     He  could  not ^^    as  he- 
tv'lJ  rnt-,  ^t^c'^'kritten  Memorials  ofthofc  Paflages  -^ 
io:,  \\  h\^  £nrplcy-inems  were  not   fo  many  as  to  hin- 
ckr  h'irn,    it  were  next   to  ifiifofjible  to  recoiled:  and 
exprefs  thewarmReque(lSjthe/ro;;g6';7>^,  the  celeffial 
E-^oanfioni  of  his  boul  when  employed   in  that  hea- 
i.niy  Bufmefs. 

I  "."{He  has  often  heg'd  wbh  irrefiiliblelmportunky 
^hrce  Favors  of  the  glorious  God  ;  in  which  there 
is  imply 'd  all  that  a  Man  need  defer e  and  feek  afcer. 

Firfl,  That  Christ  might  appear  to  him  the 
inoft  glorious  o{Oh]Qcks. 

Next,  That  .S"//;  might  appear  to  him  the  moft 
cd'ious  of  Objects. 

-Thirdly,  That  the  heavenly  World  migi\\,  he  as 
real  to  [xiixi  as  any  Thing  u'pon  Earth, 

[8."1  I  cannot  conclude  this  Chapter  more  agreably, 
than  with  hia  Refolut  ions  fir  his  Walk,  -zvlik  GOD: 
They  being  the  brief  and  full  Recapitulation  of  what 
1  have  written  before  concerning  hii  Conftancy  in  Re- 
ligion. 

'  R  ESO^L  Utl  0  NS  for  m  Wdk  -hb  GOT)  : 
^  Lord  T&u  tliat  v^'orkcil  in  nic  Co  /r///^    help  me^ 
^  to  refohe. 

«■  I.  As  to  my  T'houzjn. . 

\  I.  To  endeavor  that  I  will  keep  Uox»,  Christ 
<  and  Heaven  nvzch.  irf  my  Tho'cs. 

2.  U 


c     . 


*  2,  In  a  fpecial  mann«r  to  watch  and  pray  againS 
*  all  Evil  Ttio'ts  j  efpecially  ia  th^  Times  ot  Ds^ 
5  vDtion. 

*  IT.  As  to  my  WorJs. 

'I.  To  be  not  oF»?/;^j  ^Fc^r^li;  and  w|ien  I  do 
<■  ijjcak  to  do  it  with  'UMerariion, 

^  2.  To  remember  my  Obligations  to  ufc  my 
^  T'ongue  as  the  Lor  d'$  and  not  my  onxn  \  and  thcre- 
'  fore  to  promote /^-yt^^^ry  iJijcmrpi  if  I  can  whcre^ 
5  cvtr  I  come. 

^  ^»  NivER  totnfwcrany  ^^/^//thatis  wf/g^/^. 
*^  without  lifting  up  my  Hearc  to  God  in  a  Rec^ucit 
^  that  HE  would  help  me  to   give  a  right  Anjijcer. 

^  4.  To  ffeak  III  of  no  Mm,  except  on  a  good 
f  GfQund  and  for  a  good  End, 

'5.  Seldom  to  make  a  ^/j^r  without  contriving^ 
5  What  I  may  defer  G02)  m  that  Vifn  ? 

^  nL    As  to  my  daily  Courfe  of  !Duti^s, 
'  I.  To  pray  at  ieaft  thrice  every  Day. 

*  2.  To  meditate  once  a  Day^aftei  a  ^oBriml  and 

*  jipflicatary  Manner.  - 

*  9.  To  make  a  Cu.flom  of  propounding  to  my 
-  felf  thefe  three  ^efiio»s  at  Night  before  I  flcep. 

'  WHA  T  hath  been  the  Mercy  of  G01>  in  the, 
^  2)ay  fafl  ? 

^  WHAT  hath  hen  my  Carriage  before  GO  2) 
I  in  the  !Day  fafi  ?  And 

<■  IF  Idy  this  Night,  is  my  immortal  Spirit  fafe  ? 

^  4.  To  lead  a  Life  of  conftant  Ejaculations. 

*  5.  To  be  diligent  in  ohferving  illufirious  ^ro- 
^  vidences. 

^  But  in  all  to  be  continually  going  to  the  Lord 
'^  JESUS  CHRIST  as  the  only  ^P/;;j)yia^?;  and  Redee- 

*  mer  of  my  Soul. 

*  ^  LORD,  Tho;/  that  workefl  in  me  to  refohC:^ 
^  help  me  to  pirfermc 

Thus  I  have  written,  of  hi^  Chriftiau  Life  and 
Converfation  3  and  here  conclude  this  Chapter."      '    ' 


Dy^  Cotton  MATHita^  13 j 

Chap.    Vtl. 

filS  latter  Days '^  in  which  his  Sentimnts 
of  fame  important  Things  are  mentioned^ 
together  with  a  Relation  ofTemper  in  his  laji 
lllnefs  and  the  Circumftancei  of  his  Death  5 
und  at  the  End  a  Catalogue  of  the  Books  he 
publi/hed. 

Sect,  i.  HIS^wayofLivii^ginhisUtter^ays. 

J,  ^  I  1  HE  very  learned  and  good  Drvsius  fays, 
I       that  his  Old  Age  ivas  better  to  him  tbatt: 
•A      his  Touth,    So  was  Dr.  Mather's  :  He 
was   generally  more  hearty  in  his  latter 
Years  than  former ;  and^^  altho'  he  was  always  very 
J^»?/)^r^r(?/ ill  his  later  Times  he  was  exceedingly  re- 
gular ;  in  every  Thing  but  Reading  and  Writings 
for  he  was  as  conltantly  employ'd  in  thefe^as  if  he  had 
but  uewly  taken  a  Ten  or  £ook  inlo.  his  Hand. 

2.  CicEROjin  his  Book  of  Famous  Orators^  fptefe- 
ing  of  Piso  who  when  he  firil  fct  out  got  coniider- 
able  Fame,  fays,  that  he  maintained  his  Ground 
ivhile  be  could  Ixbor  and  he  induftrious,  but  continues 
TuLLY,  Toflea  quantum  ds.tr aait  ex  Studio,  tantum 
amlfit  ex  Gloria,  h.  e.  As  he  ceafed  from  his  Study 
he  loft  his  6>^J/V.  Dr.  Mathei^^  as  I  faid  before, 
did  not  abate  his  Studies  -,  and  hence,  he  had  thofe 
doEli  Sales  and  ih^t  grata  Senetius  whichCLAUDiAM 
admir'd   in  Pall  ad  i  us,  that  is,  he  rendered  himfclf 


in  his  latter  Days  he  fludioufly  avoided  Company  as 
much  as  he  could  )  and  was  reforted  to  by  Per  ions 
of  all  Charadlers  ^^01  his  Directions^  Advice  and  In-f' 
itrudlion. 


if4*  ^Ms  Life  of 

5.  I  mufl  relate  one  Thing  by  svhich  all  V^iXtrm, 
would  do  well  to  rcccjve  Inllruclion,  "'tis  this ,  He 
^ould  not^  as  I  more  efpecially  know  in  his  /.  'sr . 
fDays,  keep  a  morcfe  Carriage  towards  his  Children^ 
nor  at  an  haughty  jDiJfa>u:e  horn  them  ;  but  forever 
when  they  came  into  hisPrefence  he  would  condefcend 
^o  the  Fnmliarity  of  an  Acquai^itancc  •  and  thus  ue 
would  inftrud  and  edify,  thys  allure  and,  ch:.^rm  us, 
thus  make  us  love  his  Society,  ever  come  into  ir  with 
Delight  and  never  leave  it  but  with  Soriovv :  - — 
Which  Method,  I  believe,  will  work  more  forcibly 
tipon  any  Children  of  common   Senfe  and  more  en- 

fage  them  to  love  their  Parent  and    cncline  them  to 
c  good  and   ycrtuous,   than  any   crabbed    i.ookr^ 
auftere  Orders  or  furly  Demands  whatever.  ' 

2.  His  Sentiments  u^ponfotne  important  Things. 

1.  Altho'  he  Vv'as  a  Defend^^'rof  the  UJcBrimi  of 
Grace ^  as  expreiFed  in  the  Articles  of  the  Church  of 
England',  and,  as  to  Church  ''Ijifcipllney  was  cf  ot/;- 
gregationfil  Trinciples^  which  he  looked  en  as  mp<l 
agreable  to  the  Woird  of  Gop  and  the  Rights  of  the 
Chriftian  Church  \  yet  he  was  very  extenfive  in  his 
Charity^  being  defirous  to  receive  al!  whom  Christ 
receives  to  the  Kingdom  of  Gor,  t?/z.  All  who  fec:r 
GOD  and  'ucork  Kighteouficf^y  all  who  do  not  abet 
Jirrori  and  indulge  'Pra^ficcs  inconiiftent  with  th^ 
Chriftian  Life :  And  being  of  luch  a  charitable  and 
good  Temper,  he  muft  needs  be  an  Enemy  to  all 
KPerfecution  as  he  was.  He  tho'c  that  a  good  Subjca 
and-  good  Neighbour  had  a  R'tM  to  Life  and  the 
Comforts  of  itj  let  his  Opinion  in  Religion  be  what 
it  will.  He  early  imbib'd  this  Opinion,  grew  ftrong 
in  it,  left  it  behind  him  and  to  the  lafl:  was  an  En- 
courager  of /?M/i/v  il^Z/pV^vvithout  any  bi!;ter  Spirip 
common  to  this  ^arty  and  that ''iv7c^/^"<?;;. 

2.  A$  it  is, well  known  that  Dr.  M.^  th^.r  was.-wtll 
acquainted  with  Nje  Sacred  'P'rnphcctC'Sy  on  which  l.e 
formerly  writ  and  printed  his  Tho'ts  -,  'lo  iL:may  n«^ 

be 


Dr.  CoTTOM  Mather.  i^i 

fee  amirs  to  inform  my  Reader,  that,  in  fever?.!  Things 
relating  to  the  Prr^-hecies,  he  fuw  qauie  to  alter  his 
MinJ'y  particularly  v -  ^^xxgihe  fccond  O.min^of 
CHRIST,  the  C^n;.  i,  tb^  Ne-w  Reavem  and 

Nmv  'Earthy  an'  i/;/;^  of  th9  Je-ws. 

I  will  here  write  thofe  Sentiments  ofthefe  Things 
of  which  the  D'>">or  jufl  before  he  ciied  had  a  liira 
Belief  ^rom  a  ftri-^  Enquiry>  long  Study  and  much 
Prayer  ;  and,  as  n^ar  as  1  can,  1  will  exprcfs  his  Sen- 
timents in  his  own  Words  m  the  following  Allertions, 

r.  Ta-E.fecond  Coming  of  tho»LoRT)  will  be  at  ?iv\^ 
for  the  Deilru6*ion  of  the  Man  of  Sin  and  the  Ex- 
tfnifVion  oi  the  Reman  Monetrct^-  under  the  \Papi^ 
Form  oik.  He  tho't  that,  alrho'  Wife  Men  have 
interpreted  our  Saviour's  Ccming  in  the  Clouds  ef 
Heaven  and  the  'Brightnefs  of  his  Appearance  as  if 
it  me'nt  ^ny  Thing  befides  His  ^Perjonai  Comings 
herein  they  fpoke  tbcliihiy  and  unaccountably.  For 
as  their  Interpretations  leave  us  deftitute  of  any  Proof 
that  our  LOKD  will  ever  come  at  all,  (o  they  go  very 
ilu-  towards  a  Trefpafs  on  the  third  Cinmandwem. 

1.  The  Conflagration  defcrihed  by  the  Oracles  of 
God  in  flrong  Terms,  and  which  \^e  are  warned  of 
l^y  the  Afoiith  of  nil  the  ^Prophets ;  this  Co n/Iagr attain 
will  be  at  th^"  fcrond  Coming  of  the  LORD.  To 
make  the  ^etrine  Conflagration  fignify  no  more  than 
the  laying  oS.  Jerufalerit  and  her  Daughter  in  Afhes  : 
And  to  make  the  l>leni}  Heavens  and  the  ^ew  Earth 
fignify  no  more  than  the  Church  State  of  the  GofpeL 
— -  Thefe  are  fhameful  Hallucinations.  And  as  for 
the  Ne~v  Earth,  before  the  Arrival  of  which  no  Man 
can  reafonably  expect  ^^^^ppy  'fimes  for  the  Church  of 
God  upon  Earth,  it  is  the  greatelt  Abfurdity  to  fay 
that  it  will  take  Place  before  the  'Petrine  Ccnfi&gra-^^ 
sions  ;  and  there  is  no  Profpe<^  of  arguing  to  any 
Purpofe  with  fuch  as  can  talk  fo  very  ridiculoully. 

3,  Ui'Ors 


Uz  ^he  Life  of 

9.  Upon  fhe  Conflagration  the  glorious  GOD  wi!! 
create  Ne^x  Heavens  and  a  Neiv  Earth.  In  the  up- 
jper  Part  of  our  Jtfvrfpkere^  whtre  will  be  the  ISlew 
JJeavenSy  there  will  ue  the  holy  C%  which  God  has 
prepared  for  his  Pegple.  This  holy  City  will  be  in- 
habited by  the  ralfed  Saintly  attending  on  our  SA- 
VIOUR there  and  receiving  the  inconceivable  Re- 
compences  of  all  their  Services  <?t  Sufferings  for  Him: 
The  N(p-Tu  Earth  v/ill  be  a  ^aradifhy  prepared  for 
another  People  &  full  of  the  goodnejs  of  the  LOR'D. 

4.  It  is  impoHible  to  firid  any  Inhabitants  for  the 
Neix)  Earthy  hut  a  fetjof  People  that  fhall  efcape  the 
Conflagration.  It  is  aThing  plainly  revealed  unto  uSy 
that  our  dcfccnding  Redeemer^,  while  yet  at  a  further 
Diftance  than  he  will  anon  come,  when  he  fets  Fire 
to  the  Earthy  will  by  his  Almighty  Voice  raife  thg 
tDeady  v/hom  he  intends  forBleflcdncfs,  To  fetch  then! 
to  him  as  to  Mng  them  mth  him:  As  he  is  going 
on  in  his  nearer  Approaches  with  his  illuftrious  Re- 
tinue to  give  Order  for  the  tremendous  Fire,  he  will 
hear  the  Cries  of  his  chofen,  called  and  faithful  ones> 
and  he  will  fcrld  His  Angels  to  do  for  them  as  once 
for  Elijah  •  Thefe  Hundred  and  forty  four  I'hou- 
fandStryznts  of  God  and  Walkers  with  Him,  that 
have  the  Mark  of  God  upon  them ;,  when  iht'^Dpftroyer-s 
are  going  to  hurt  the  Earth,  fball  be  caught  up  to 
meet  the  LORD  and  with  Him  they  fhall  be  in  Satetyi 
Nvhile  they  fhall  lee  the  Earth  flaming  under  them. 
Thefe  are  they  who  fhall  return  to  the  F^e'vo  Earthy 
poffelsit,  and  people  it;  t^ey  fhall  foon  multiply  in- 
to mighty  Nations  upon  it. 

5.  THEProcefs  of  Judgment  on  the  Sheep  Sc  Goats y 
in  the  tnxsenty  fifth  Chapter  o^  Matthe-Wy  has  not  one 
of  the  Raifed  from  the  'Dead  concerned  in  it ;  but 
it  is  a, quick  Divifion  dl  Decilion  made  by  our  Lord 
among  the  Chriftians  who  cry  for  Mercy ^  when  they 
fee  the  Fire  of  GOD  ready  to  fcize  upon  them,  de- 
termining who  fhall  be  caught  uf  to  meet  theLORD^ 
and  who  fhall  be  left  to  thf  Terdition  of  ungoJly 

Med 


> 


Dr.  CorvON  MatherJ  t^^ 

Me^i  in  the  Flames  before  them  ;  and  there  fhall  not 
bne  uftgodly  Man  be  left  living  in  the  World. 

6.  The  raifed  Smtts  in  the  Neiv  Heavens  will  not 
marry  nor  he  given  in  marriage,  but  be  es[Ual  "X'ttb 
the  Jlngeh',  The  changsS  Saints  on  the  Ne^uo  Earth 
•jvili  toV^  Houfes  and  inhabit  them,  plant  Vineyards 
and  eat  the  Fruit  of  them,  and  will  have  anOffspring 
that  ixill  be  with  them  the  bkjjed  of  the  LOKD^ 
and  if  hleffcdy  then  Jlnlefs  and  deathUfs".  The  facred 
Scriptures  have  exprcfily  declared  this  Difference 
between  them. 

7.  While  the  hoty  'People  tsfi  the  New  JEart^ 
(hall  be circumilanced  like  JldamScEve  in^aradife^ 
in  a  pure  and  fpotlefs  Manner  Living  unto  God  ;  the 
Raijed  Saints,  being  fomewhat  more  Angelically 
circumftanccd,  will  be  fent  from  Time  to  Timci 
down  from  the  New  Heavens  tinto  them  to  ht  their 
teachers  and  Rulers  and  have  ^ower  ever  Nations^ 
and  the  Will  of  God  v/ill  be  done  on  Earth  as  it  is 
in  Heaven^  This  Difpcnfation  will  continue  at  leaft 
for  a  thoufand  fears.  Whether  the  Tranfiations 
from  the  Ne'w  Earth  to  the  Ne^m  Heavens  will  be 
fucceilively  during  the  thoufand  Tears,  or  all  to- 
gether after  it,  has  not  been  difcoveredi 

8.  The  Ne-iv  Heavem,  in  Conjunfflion  with  the 
Ns-zvEarrh  under  the  Influence  of  it,  is  thztHeavenly 
Count rey  which  the  Patriarchs  looked  for.  When  thd 
great  God  promiled  them  that  he  would  be  their 
GOB  and  hkfs  them,  they  underftood  it  of  his  bring- 
ing them  into  this  Beathlefs  and  Sinlefs  IVorld. 
They  who  exped  the  Reft  promifed  for  the  Church 
of  God  upon  tarth  to  be  found  any  whtre  but  in  the 
Ne'iv  Earth,  and  they  who  expect  any  hapfy  T^imei 
fer  the  Church  in  a  World  that  hath  2)eath  Sc  Sin 
in  it,  -—  ^hcfc  do  err,  not  knowing  the  Serif  ture  nor 
the  Kingdom  of  GOD, 


^44 


Tbe  lije  of 


9.  Stjcm  a  Converjion  of  the  JfrasUtifi  Nation  witK 
a  RetuiYj  tc  their  ancient  Seats  "in  Tdlejlhe,  as  manf 
.excellent  rerions  in  latter  years  C  and  among  the  Reft 
himrclF)  have  been  perfuaded  of :  He  now  tbu':  in- 
confiilcnt  with  the  fow/;^^   of  the  L'ORH)    and  the 
^Burning  of  the  Vv^'orid  at  the  Fdll  of  Jjuichrijl^  be- 
fore Vvhich  Fall  ho  body   imagines   that  Convetjion. 
And  indeed  how  is  it  confiftent  with   the  2Jeep  Sieep 
in  which  the  :Di!Uvium  Ignis  iTinftyas  that  ot  Water 
did^  furprize  the  World?  The  holy  \Pecple  of  the  Pro- 
phecies is  found  among  the  Gentiles^  the  furrogat^ 
Ifrael.    The  Neiv^fefiament  feetns  to  have  done  with 
z  carnal  Tfrael I  The  jg'/e^g«/^/:?  Chapter  to  the  Rem- 
ans is  greatly  rnifunuerllood^  where  w^e  find  all  Jfrafl 
faved  by  a  filling  up  of  the  Gentiles  which   v^t  mil- 
tranflate  the  fulnefs  of  the  Gemiks.      The  Prophecies 
of  the  old  ^efiament  that  feem  to  have  an  Afpe^fl:  up- 
on fuch  a  Nation,  are  either  already  accomplilbied  un- 
to that  Nation  in  the  Return  from  the  Chaldean  Cap- 
tivity;   or  they  belong  tp  tnat /;c/>'  IP^o^/c  w- horn  a 
Succeilion  to  the  Piety  of  the  Patriarchs  will  render 
what  our  Bible  has  taught  us  to  call  them  the  Jfracl 
cfGOjD  :  But  the  final  Fulfilment  of  them  all  will 
be  in  the  World  to  ccrne^  or  the Ne-iv  Heavens  and  tke 
JN(?w  Earth  whfere  GOX>  ti-ill  d-zvell  laith  Men  and 
he  their  GOT).     Of  w^hat    Advantage   to  the  King- 
dom of  GOT)  can  the  CojFJcrJicn  of  the  Jeivijh  Nation 
Le,  any  more  than  the  Converfion  of  any  other  Nation, 
except  we  fliould  fuppoic?  to  remain  upon  the  y(?':r//& 
Nation  after  their  Convnrfion  fomething  to  dijlinguifo 
them  from  the  reft  of  the  Chriflian  Selievers  ?  No^ 
to  fuppofe  this,  would  it  not  be  to  rebuild  Vi'^Partition 
Tfall  that  our  Saviour  has  demohlbcd  and  aboliibed^ 
\vhich  a  CbriRian,  one  would  think, would  no  fooner 
go  to  do  than  to  rebuild  the  fallen  Walls  of  ^cr/V/^^. 

10,  By  all  jufl  and  flur  Computatiotis  the  t-ivelve 
hundred  and  Jisty  Tears  allowed  for  the  'Papal  irV;- 
fire  muft  be  rtear,  if  not  ^juire  expired.  By  Gonic- 
Xjuence  the  r^np  rboiifand  three  hundred  and  thirty 
five  Tears,  which  bring  the  "Timf.   of  the  £nd  when 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather,  x^J 

SDameh  ^vkh  every  other  good  Maij,  is  to  rZ/e  ^»<? 
/?i«/i^^  in  kis  Lot^  are  not    likely   to    extend  beyond 


the  prefent  Century.  And  for  ought  any  Man.  alivs 
can  lay  the  Alidmght  Cry  rnay  be  heard  before  to 
Smorrov/  Morning,  Thofc  awful  Things,  .which  our 
Lord  foretold  as  the  Sigm  cfbi^  Cevnng  have  beew 
all  actually  exhibited  and  fulfilled ,  We  have  had 
them  all  in  all  the  Terrors  of  thenij  and  a  flupid 
World  has  not  underftood  them. 

The  Dodor  was  very  much  difpleafed  with  thofe^, 
ivho,  propofing  rather  to  carf  than  tofesrch^  think 
they  have  at  once  routed  all  Hopes  to  underftand  thf 
Scriptures  and  fecured  an  unintelligible  Ohfcurity  and 
Jtmkiguity  10  the  IJivine  Oracles  only  by  demanding 
with  an  Air  of  Contempt,  Where  ii'illyou  find  Gog 
and  Magog}  They  are  not  ordinarily  capable  of  re- 
'ceiving  a  Rational  Anfwer  till,  they  have  more.ieri- 
oully  tho't  on  v/hat  is  to  arrive  a  tbottfandTears  before 
the  Rifing  of  Gvg  and  Mag^qg.  Suppofe  j(  what  in- 
deed the  Doctor  would  not  allow  )  the  Queflion:tp 
be  unanfwcrable  :  He  would  then  ask.  Is  there  nb 
*^uepion  concerning  the  Raifed  "Bodies  of  the  Faith- 
ful which  thefe  People  will  confefs- cannot , yet  be  an- 
fwered  ?  And yet3  continued. he_>  they  will  not  re- 
nouhce  thQ  Faith  ofrbe  Refurre^lion, 

The  Do(5^orus'd  to  fay,  /  'vcill  dfo   ^sk  ycu  cm, 

I'hing^  -which  ify.ou,teUmeI'ivillinlikc'Uije  trlt 
you  :  The  ^Bodies  o^ihQ  Raifed  fhall  they  be  furnlfli- 
cd  with  J^eeth  or  no  ?  Or  I  will  only  a^k^  \Vhc'<^ 
will  you  find  the  Nations,  over  which  the  P.,^//'v/ 
Saints  (or  the  Qverromars  )  are  t;o  .have  ^o^jcer  'i  Tell 
me  that,  and  I  will  tell  you  whereto  find  G'->g  iH-ci 
Magog. 

And  asfor  thofe  who  think  it  improbable  or  ifi- 
credible,  that  fo  dreadful  a  Thing  as  a  Confi^^grati'^rt 
fliouldbe  ordered  for  fuch  an  cvillVorld  a^th'S;  tlity 
will  do  v^cll  to  think  on  the  E'^Jil  oj  <in  jajid  to.  re-^ 
feibmber  ciiat  the  Adtcdi^luvian  Vvorid    had  as  ri  r^'iy 

i 


I4<^  'tpje  Life  of 

fine  Suildingi,  Cities  and  Artifices  in  It  as,  and  pro- 
bably more  People  than,  there  are  in  ours.  No  more 
than  eight  ^erfons  were  faved  out  of  the  Deltrudioii 
which  a  FhoJ  of  Water  bro't  upon  that  World  ; 
whereas  there  will  be  a  great  Number,  God  knows 
how  many  Thoufands,  faved  out  of  the/ery  Flood 
which  we  have  to  look  for. 

Thus  I  have  given  a  brief  Account  of  Dr.MATHER^s 
latelt  Seniiments  concerning  the  facred  Prophecies  : 
I  have  been  the  more  concifc,  becauie  I  hope  I  fhall 
procure  a  Fublicition  of  His  T^riparadifus  ;  which 
will  give  the  World  a  more  ample  Account  as  well 
as  Proof,  of  his  Perfualion. 

3.  The  Do5for's  Temper  in  his  hjf  BheJ/e solvit k 
the  Circumfiances  of  his  Death. 

I.  As  He    had  walked  in  the  Light  oj  GOD'i 

Countenance  thro'  the  greatell  Part  of  hisLife;  fo  in  the 
latter  Part  of  it  he  had  more  peculiar  and  lively  Dif- 
plays  of  the  Divine  Favor  ;  particularly  in  his  lail 
Illn^ffes.  ^ 

In  one  Sicknefs  I  find  he  was  fure  all  his  Sins  were 
pardoned,  that  he  v/as  above  the  Fear  of  2)eath  and 
that  he  efteemed  Patience  under  Sicknefs  to  be  better 
than  Health  it  fclf. 

Im  this   Illriefs  I  -like^ife  met  with  his   Enquiries 

after  the  Rcafons  why  moft  Men  chiife  rather  to  Live 

than  to  T>y  ?*  The  Caufes  why  the  Generality  defire 

Life,  nre  either  becaufe  rhey  are  Afraid  to  Dy^  orelfe 

bccaufe  rhey  I^ove  Creatures  here  fo  well   that  they 

arc  loth  to  leave  them.     Now  neither  of  thefe  Reafons 

wer^ufficienc  to  make  the  Dodor  prefer  Life.     Not 

the  ^tmeVf  for  he  was  a  Conqueror  and  more  than  a 

Con^wrcr  over  Death  thro'  Jesus  Chr  ist  \    nor  yet 

'■',  becaufe  he  could  not  be  loth  to  leave  the 

to  go  to  the  Fountainy  he  laved  the  Creator 

nan  Creatures, 

And 

1        • 


D'r.  Oo-yTo'M  Ma  THE  ft.'  i.^^ 

Amd  as  for  his  jidv  ant  ages  for  doi»g  Good  in  thi$ 
World  y  whenever  God.  Ihould  pkaic  to  put  an  End 
to  them 3  he  was  fatisficd. 

f^  1,  One  Day^  when  h-c  was  kbounng   under  fomi^ 
InfirmitieSj  I  find  him  writing  as  follows  : 

^  WnLNlwas  pouring  out  my  Prayers  uhto  the 
^  Lor p^  I  mentioned  the  ^Prolongation  of  m'^  Life 

*  to  enjoy  and  improve  more  Opportunilies  of  glo- 
'  rifying  Him.  In  my  Prayers^  1  hunrbl)  rcpreienredl 
^  to  the  LoRD^thAt  there  were  two  Objedtioris  againft 
*■  my  Jj/>g;5which  my  Flep  would  be  ready  to  i^ake^ 

*  but  thro'  His  Grate  I  had  conquered  them. 

'  Firfl,  My  Fkp  pieadt^d  that  Wit  'Comforh  of 
^  Earth  were  too  agreabk  Things  to  be  eafily  forfa- 
^  ken.  But  my  Faith  is  perfwaded  and  fatisfied  that 
^  the  Delights  of  Heaven  are  Tweeter  than  the  Ccm- 
*■  forts  of  Earth  j  and  I  can  freely  leave  all  the  En- 
^  tertainments  of  this  Evil  Worlds  that  I  may  be  with 
^  Christ,  where  to  be  is  by  far  the  beft  o/  d-L 

,  *■  Secondly i  Mv  Fkpj  pleaded ^  What  ^ill  b^xbme 
^  ofmy  Oj^V/);Y;?^vvhen  I  ^,m  gone  ?  But  my  FaiiB 
*■  is  perfuaded  and  fatisfied^  that  Go»  wifi  be  a  Fa- 
*■  ther  to  my  FatherUfs  Offspring  j  and  my  Lor  d 
'^  Jesus  Chr  istj  whom  I  hav'e  fervid  without  leck- 
*■  ing,  as  many-others  v/ould  have  done,  to  enrich  my 

*  felf  with  a  Portion  for  my  Children ^  will  marvei- 
^  loufly  become  fu.h  ^Guardi^.-Awx^o  them>  tha^ 
'  they  Ihall  not  --xant  any  good  T'iing,     - 

*■  My  Mind  being  on  thefc  two  a cco*anh  thus  eafy 
•^.and  yradr  to  li'i ,  I  then  befoughtof  the  Lor  Id  ne- 
^  vertheler*:  tl^at  He  would  yet  fpare  my  Liteito  work 
•^  for  Him  a  little  more  among  his  People, 

Tijus  \\\t  Doctor  could  Tay^  as  Mar  tiw  ofT^'.^m 
did.  Libera  me^  qUdefo^  Dbmine,  e^  mrrtali  ilio  Car^ 
cere  ;  Ferur>tar)hn  fi  adhuc  ^Po^ulo  Hw/i'.s^f  Ns'ceJj[ariU:% 
Ition  Yccufo  Labcrcm. 


14.8  Tht  Life  of 

But,  Having  Writ  of  his  Concern  for  his  Children^ 
I  iec  net  why  1  may  not  add^  tho'  it  may  leem  out  of 
Place  here,  what  he  wrote  when  fome  of  his  Children 
•Cverefmall,  m-z;.  His  Injlvumem  of  Setrufment  and 
Refi^nation  for_  his  Children^  whi».h  he  knew  not 
how  foon  he  might  leave  as  Orphans. —  The  Inftru- 
ment>  which  He,  prollrate  in  the  Duft,  (pread  before 
the  Lor  d,  runs  in  thefe  Terms  ^ 

<  r\  My  great  and  good  SAvrouR,  Thou  Son  of 
^^  ^  God,  and  the  Lord  in  whom  the  Father^ 
*■  lefi  find  Mercy  :  The  principal  Satis fadlion^  Con- 
'  foJation  with  which  I  receive  tbe  Children,  which 
^  the  Lord  has  gracioully  given  me,  at  their  Birth 
^  into  the  World  is,  the  Profped:  of  more  Subje6is  for 
*■  my  Saviour  and  the  Propagation  ^  Continuation  of 
'  His  Kingdom  in  the  World.  For  this  purpofe  it  is 
*■  my  flrong  and  full  Defire  to  do  my  Part  that  my 
'  Children  imy  kno-zv  their  Saviour  andy^r-y^HiM 
*■  'ivith  a  perfe^  Heart  and  willing  Mind.  And  I 
^  earneftly  cry  unto  Him  to  produce  a  Work  of  Grace 
^  in  their  Souls  and  to  take  them  under  the  perpetual 

•  Condud:  oUhe  Sfirit  of  Grace,  that  they  may  do  To. 

^  Now  I  firmly  believe  that  the  World  is  under  the 
'^  Go^'fr^/^wg"/;^  of  my  Saviour,  and  that  he  fets  at 
*"  the  right  Hand  of  God,  and  that  the  Affairs  of  the 
'^  tDivine^Prcvldence   are  under   his  Adminiflration. 

•  He  does  particularly  employ  the   Miniflry  of  His 

•  mighty  j4ngeh  in  governing  the  Children  of  Men, 
'^  and  yet  more  particularly  make  them  the  Guardians 
^  of  His  Ihtle  cncs  :  moft  of  all  when  in  his  Provi- 
*■  dence  He  makes  them  Fatherkfs  C/dldren.   O !  Or- 

•  phans  well  provided  for  i 

*■  Wherefore,  O  my  Saviour,  I  commit  my 
^  Children  into  thy  Fatherly  Hands.  I  pray  to  Thee 
^  that  thy   gracious  Prcvldence  may,   and  I  truil  in 

•  Thee  that  it  will  be  concerned  for  them.  Oh  !  Let 
■  nothing  be  wanting  to  them  thatihall  be  good  for 

them.     Caufe  them  to  Fear,  to  Love  Thee,  to  v^alk 

'  in 


Dr.  Cotton  Mather.  24^ 

^  in  thy  ways  -,  and  make  ufe  of  them  ^o  cJo  Good  in 
*■  their  Generation.  Be  Thou  their  Friend  and  raifc 
^  them  up  fuch  as  may  be  necejfary^  and  in  aconve- 
'  nient  Manner  fupply  all  their  NecefRties.  Give  thy 
'Angels  a  Charge  of  them  ;  and  when  their  Fa^ 
^  ther  and  Mother  forfakc  them,  then  do  Thou  take 

*  them  up. 

*  This  is  the  Supplicationj  this  the  Refignation^ 

*  this  the  Depenalance  of 

e.  MATHER,      ' 

5.  yam  meum^eElus  ardn  ConfpeElu  Vitae  JEternady 
cujus  vere  fentio  in  me  Liitia,  were  the  dying  Wordis 
of  a  learned  German  Phyfician.  The  fame  niig^aC 
Dodor  Mather  ule  in  his  two  laji  SicknelTes". 

I  will  here  recolledl  lomc  PafFages  that  occur'd  in. 
thelllnefs  before  that  o£  which  he  died,  which  ma-^ 
nifcft  his  being  ripe  Jor  Glory  and  Ihow  that  thofe^ 
Words  were  fulfird  unto  Him,  It  pall'  tome  to  ^afs, 
at  Evening  'Time  it  pall  be  Light  I 

Hf.  faid  in  our  Hearing,  ^  Lord,  Thou  art  w'th 
^  iTie,  and  do  ft  enable  me  to  fwg  in  the  dark  Valley 
*■  of  the  Shadow  of  Death.  I  perceive  the  Signs  of 
*■  i)eath  upon  me,  and^.am  I  not  affrighted  ?  No^  not 
^  at  all  I  I  will  not  fo  diponor  ray  SAVIOUR  as  to 
^  be  frighted  at  any  Thing  that  can  befall  mc,  ivhih^ 
^  I  am  in  his  blcffed  Hands ! 

When  fome  Gentlemen  came  to  f^e  him^  he  fiidj^ 
^  I  hope,  Ifhall  not  be  found  a  Fool  I  but  Here  l  ]y 
*"  and  ^ing.  Soul,  take  thine  .^afe  'Tpou  Joajl'  Goodi 
^  laid  up  in  Store  for  rnany^m-any  Tears ^  for  enilcfs 
*^  Ages;  but  another  foft  6{ Goods  than  what  this" 
*^  vain  World  puts  olFits  Idolaters  with  ! 

Therz  Vv'cre  fcveral  other  PaOages  which  I  will 
give  my  Reader  juilas  the  Dodtor  wrote  them  with 
liis  lick  Hani 


3>«  "J^h^  Life  of 

»■   ^:  I  feel  the  Life  of  GOD  begun  in  my  Sou!^  and  a 

^  predominant. Re fpe:^  unto,  the  great  God  govern- 
^  ing  of  me  ^nd  enciining  me  to  ackno'-wkage  tim 
'^  in  all  tny  Ways.  Here  is  a  Lije  begun  which 
<^  can  terminate  r\o  othcrwife  ti^an  ia  an  endlefs  Life 
•t  \y\th  my  Got.  There  is  a  Well  of  Wdtcr  in  me 
f  that. will  Spring  up  to  Everlafiing  Life.  1)eath^ 
"^  do  thy  worft ;  there  is  no  ki llln -^  oi  thdX  Life  to 
5  y^hich  my  God  has  begun  to  raife  me. 

^  Have  I  had  a  glorious  Christ  livijjg^  acting 
*t  ^nd  working  i^  me,  and  quicknihg  me  for  livins^ 
*t  unto  GOD  ,  and  will  he  ever  lofe  his  Hold  of  me? 
5  Np:,  No  ,;  I  a,m  fure  o{li>vi»g  ivish  him  forevermore. 

•^^  By  the  precioU'S  ^ho'ts  of  my  biclled  Jesus  often, 
^  often  every  day  formed  in  my  Mind,  have  I  had 
^  hifii  dwelling  in  me ;  and  fhall  I  not  now  go  to 
.5  dwell  with  him,  ?  I  Ihall  3  aflui-edly  I  Ihalt 

*,  Has  a  Canforrnicy  to  CuRTS-i'  been  the  Strain, 
'^  a,id  Sc.lt  (^{\Vi^  Life;  and  have  I  made  it  my  Study, 
■^  ppt  only  to  imitate  him  in  doing  akvays  theT'hiniir^s 
^  that  plefife  the  Father^  but  v^^hen  my  JfjSiiciicm 
^-  liave  been  iuch  as  to  refemble  his  HimlUation^  have 
*"  I  not  even  rejoyced in'Trilpulauon}  And  fh:ill  I  not 
^  go,  to  partake  with  Wixvin  Fulucfi  of^oy^  andTka-^ 
'^  fures  forevermore  { 

*  Has  my  dear  Saviour  made  me  ^aSacrificer^  fuch 
«"  a  Satrifxer  that  wot  only  has  my  Life  been  filled 
•^  with  Devotiof^s  towardsGoD  and  'Benignity  towards. 
'^  Meri  which  are  Siicrifices  that  God  15  well  pleafed 
**  w^ith  thro"  Christ  ;  but  alfp  have  I  not  look'd  on- 
'  all  the  cGmfortahle  'Thins:s  of  this  World  with  a 
*  Sr.c  ifiriiig  Eye^  and  confented  thax  the  Holy  One^, 
^  if  H-  pi eafe J,  fliouid  ^(?/;jy  all  thefe  Things  unto  me; 
^  letHim  only  befi'ow  his  Son  uporv  me  and  I  fhoula 
•^  be  fitisfied  ?  And  iKalH  not  npw  be  adniitted  :i~ 
\  inon^,  the  'Priefls  of  GOD  and  Christ  ?  Yes  in- 
^  ticed^2,ad  even  while  I  ^b  yet  zmQugxhcSacrinced 


'^  and-: 


"Dr.  CoT-roN  Mather,'  t$i 

^  and  ^ill  feparare ySoals  under  thQyJUar^  1  Hiall  have 

•  f/ife  White  Rohe^  of  tloe  'FrteJthooJ  g'lYcnto  mt. 

*"  Has  the  glorious  Jesus  even  hert  fo  fu^plied  all 
'  my  JVams  ^iiith  Riches  cf  Glory  in  my  fenfe  of 
*■  having  Him  for  mine^that  I  could  p?tieijtly,quet]y 
!  chearfully  bear  the  loj's  cf  nil  Creatures  from  the 

•  view  of  having  ChrisI*  concerned  for  me  and 
'  feeling  Him  converfing  with  me?  And  now  I  aiti 
'  going  from  all  Cren tares  here  btilow^  will  He  not 
^  take  me  where  He  will  fhew  and  give  Himsi- ui- 
^  unto  me^  and  be  unto  me  infinitely  better  than  all  '^ 

^  Have  I^  to  animate  my  felf  unto  Holi/^f  in  all 
^  Mafimr  of  Converfatioti ^  in  my  Contemplations  of- 
^  ten  endeavoured  to  affect  my  fclf  v»'ith  tKe  HjAimfs 
^  of  the  purified  Sprits  in  the  'Paradife  of*  God.; 
*■  their  flaming  Dei)otions  ;  their  'Delight  ui  God  , 
^  thai  Hatred  of  Sin^  the  Contemp  with  which  they'" 

•  look  doixn  on  the  high  l^hings  of  this  World  ;  and 
5  the  Goodnefs  with  which  they  treat  one  another  ? 
^  Done  this  which  earneli:  Deiires  to  be  as  like  them 
^  as  this  mortal  State  may  attain  to  and  will  admi:of? 
^  And  fhall  I  not  now  be  fetch'd  away  to  join  v^'ith 
^^  them  in  the  Prailes  of  God  ? 

*■  Has  the  Angelical  Miniflry  been  what  I  have 
*"  been  thankful  for  and  mindful  of?  Have  I  been 
a  Caufe  of  Joy  among  the  jlngeh  by  being  a  Rc- 
fenting  Sinmr  ?  Have  I  been  deterr'd  from  doiwg 
amifs  becaufe  of  the  Angels'^.  H?.vel  hvquently 
tho't,  with  what  a  Zeal  cf  the  LcrJ  cf  Ho'fs  the 
Angels  do  burn;  how  they  are  upon  the  //'/>©<"  to 
execute  the  Commands  of  our  Lord  ;  with  what 
^  f^ure  Eyes  of  Deteitation  they  behold  F.vil  and  look, 
upon  Iniquity.)  vvirh  Vvhat- '/-/r?t'?//^rtf  they  do  goo.l 
^  Offices  for /.?^^  Heirs  of  Salvation}  And  hav^r  I 
^  wiili'd  and  lonj^'d^  Oh  I  that  J^ivere  as  jar  as  my 
'  Ca parity  ivould  allovj  Of'i>  like  unto  tkoj'e  Huly 
',on's\  And  fh  ill  not  my  Soul 'now  fail  into  the 
^' H.i::d5  of  :ho?e  x\  •■  ^-  -^  G'^n'^^'^^'^'    nn-]  he   carried 

^  into 


iS^  T'l^e  Zif0  of 

^  into  the  glomus  frefence  of  God  mtb  exce^difig 

'  Am  I  willing  to  be  all  thac  my  SAvievft  would 
^  have  me  to  be  ?  Am  I  willing  to  go  wherever 
*"  my  Saviour  would  have  me  to  go  ?  Am  I  iviUing 
*■  to  leave  all  that  my  Saviour  would  have  mc  to 
f  pjrt  w^th  ?  Have  I  no  Jf^iU  of  my  own  left  now  to 
?  m^c  Rel^ellioH  in  u^q}  Now  I  have  ;;or^;;;^  to  do 
'^  hut  to  dy^  :.  Nay^,  I  have  not  that  to  do  neither :  I 
^  am  dt^d  already  ;  my  Will^  the  hardeft  Thing  to 
•?  be  killed  in  me>  is  already  dead.  Lord,  thou  wilt 
S  fiouo  IVonders  to  the  tDe^d  !  My  Saviour^  I  am 
f  comijig  to  fee  thy  Wondgrs  1 

*■  Indeed  vc^y  Heart  is.  deceitful  ahove  aU7%i»gs.; 
^  what  'if  a  deceitful  Heart  Ihould  no^N  turn  me  afide 
^  and  I  fhould  perifh  W//?  a  L^^  in  my  Right  Hand  ? 
'  But  1  make  my  Retreat  unto  the  bleffed  Jesus,  ts 
'^  the  Prophet  whofe  Office  it  is^  to  fave  me  from  De- 
^  luiicns,  I  W\\\  go  up  from  the  iVilidemefs  lemming 
'^  on  the  'Beloved,  one  who  has  efpeufed  my  Soul  unto ' 
*■  Himfelf^  To,  Hi.Mwhois  the  T^ruth^l  llh  up  the 
^  ardenr  Cry  of  ijiy  Soul^,  O  my,  SAVIOUR^  maks 
^  my  Hs  art  found  in  thy  Statutes.  Let  me  not  he  con- 
*•'  founded  -ucith  the  Hope  of  the  Hypocrite.  I  com-- 
^  mit  my  Soul  into  thy  Hands  t  /  know  whom  I  have 
^  Mitvedy  T'hoHwiJtkeepwh^t  I. commit  unto  ^kee» 

^^  Eu.T  !  Whfct  if  after  all  zScvereign  Gqj>  will 
^^  have  me  to  be  a  Cajl^away)  *nd  I  fhall  be  call: 

*^^  into  «^n  Hell  where  the  ^Divine  Juftise  will  be  for 
^^  tvcx  fcourging  ofm.e  ?— -  Idefcrve  it  fhould  be  Co  ! 
<f^  ,^- Faulty  ^I'hofs  1  fiery  jDarts  !  —  In  the  Horror 
^  of7)arknefs  I  now  humble  my  felf  asC/^r  before  the 
^  hotter  ;  ?,r^  I  feel  my  Heart  fo  filled,  with  the  Love 
^  of  GOD,  Und  lo  fatisiied  m  His.  doing  all  Things, 
^  right  as  they  fl>ould  be  donc^  that  if  it  Ihould  bclb^ 
^  ye{;  I  defire  that  no  Sc§urg?  upon  me  may  produce. 
^  any  Thing  from  mc worfethan  this,  O  Ifue  and ^ 
^'  i. ../';  a?sJ  fervc  the  glorious  GOJ)  ivbo  does  all  cf ^ 

^  this  I 


-  thisl  Let  none  refifi  the  Will  of  the  ghrlousGO  2) 
^  who  Joes  all  of  this  !  Let  me  undergo  all  of  tbis^ 
'  rather  than  ever  entertain  one  hard  ^bo't  of  the 
'  glorious  0  NE !— But  my  Soul  being  thus  dilpos'd, 
^  the  Holy  Spirit  of  my  God  immediately  ihoots 
'  the  Rays  of  Hi*  Light  into  it,  and  moft  powcrftilly 
*■  fays  unto  me  J  ^hi/e  Diffofitions  were  never' made 

*  for  an  Hell^  the  Fire  whereof  is  f$r  the  Enemies  of 
'  GOD.     Jf  it  were  foflibk  for  a  Soul  to  go  to'  Hell 

*  withfuch  Difpofitions y  it  wouU  carry  Heaven  thi- 
'  ther  with  it.  Noy  no;  Thou  art  ^  flea/ant  Child 
^  unto  me '.  Iwilljurely  ham  Mercy  on  thee  I 

'And  now,  vain  Worlds  farewell !  Thou  haft 
'  been  to  mc  a  very  uncafy  Wildernefs,     Welcome, 

*  everlafiihg  Life  !  The  ^Paradife  of  God  ilands 
'-  open  tor  me.  I  am  juft  entring  into  a  World ^wherc 
'  I  ihall  be  free  from  Sin  and  from  all  Tempations 
'  to  it  :  a  World  where  I  fhall  have  all  Tears  wi^ed 
^  from  my  Eyes;  a  World  where  I  Ihall  ht  filled  with 

*  fill  thefulnefs  of  GOD,  The  i>sft  Hour  that  ever 
'  I  faw  is  what  I  am  hourly  and  gladly  waiting  for  !» 

These  Paflagesthc  Doctor  writ  ;  but  many  of  us 
heard  moft  of  them  from  his  Lips» 

4.  And  now  I  write  of  his  lail  Illnefs  and  the  Cir- 
cumflances  of  his  Death. 

From  the  Beginning  of  his  lail  Illnefs^  which  was 
about  the  latter  end  of  December  i727j,8.  He  had 
a  flrbng  Affurance  it  would  be  His  Death.  He 
therefore,  writing  a  Note  to  one  of  his  Phyilcians.told 
him  J  "  My  lafi  Enemy  is  comej  I  v^^ould  fay  my  h?Jt' 
Friend  ", 

There  was  nothing  He  was  more  defirous  of  and 
preired  after  with  more  Vehemence  in  his  laH  ^)ickners 
than  a  Refigned  WilL  He  feveral  Times  told^  us^ 
i^hen  He  fhpuld  have  his  IVill  entirely Jwallc-zved  rp 

■'■.,    ,  •  •      ■" '  in 


JJ4  ^^^  -^ifi  of 

in  the  Will  cfGOT)  he  Ihould  have  no  more  to  fay  to 
us. —  He  had  fome  Things  on  the  Anvil  which  he 
'  would  v^iilingly  have  lived  to  iinifh^  but,  faid  he; 
^  Ijth9  GQ'I>  of  my  Life  has  ordered  othsr^mife^  I 
^  dejire  to  have  no  WiH  of  my  own  ^  When  one  of 
bis  Church  asksd  whether  he  was  defirous  to  dy  r  He 
reply'd,  ^  I  dare  not  fay  that  I  am,  nor  yst  that  I 
'  am  not 'y  I  ivould  be  .entirely  reji^^ned  unto  G02)*, 
When  the  Phyiicians  hinted  unto  him  that  he  ^vould 
dy^Me  faid  with  uplifted  Hands  &  EyeS;,  '  Tby  Will 
h$  do9$  on  Earth  as  it  is  in  Heaven  \  And  a  few 
Hours  before  his  Death  he  affured  thofc  who  v» ere 
round  his  Bed,  *  Nt/^t-  7  have  nothing  m'?re  to  do 
'  here;  my  Will  ii  entirely  fjcdloixed  uPin  the  Will 
f  OJG0  2)  \  ' 

As  thi:o'  the  Coiirfe  of  his  Life  He  prooofed  the 
Glory  of  GOD  as  His  lafl  End,  He,  at  the  lail  c'ays 
of  his  Life,  was  very  defirous  that  GOD  migh^  be 
CX'-eedingly  glorified  mid  gratified  by  him  and  his 
means  :  when  therefore  he  was  told  how  much  many 
good  People  prayed  for  him;  He  faid,  ^  T'he  Q^ raver 

*  of  the  Upright  is  His  delight ;  and  I  rejoice  in  that 

*  Sicknefs  which,  by  procuring  the  Prayers  ol  iincere 

*  Chriftians,  procures  a  Pleafure  in  the  infinite  God.  ' 

He  often  expreffed  the  good  hope  he  had  ;  His  be- 
ing above  the  Love  of  Life  and  the  Fear  of  Death  ; 
alluring  us,  that  he  was  going  to  eat  the  Tiread  and 
drink  the  Waters  oj  Life  freely  ;  that  all  L^ears  would- 
be  foon  -wiped  from  his  Eyes  i  that  everyl hing  look'd 
Jmling  about  him  i  that  it  ivas  impoffibk  Hcfiould 
be  .lofl  ;  that  he  had  a  firong  Ccjfolation  and  tbat  his. 
Vieivs  of  the  Heavenly  World  li'ere  all  glorious. 

Many  were  the  Bleliinga  he  pronounced  and  the 
Charges  he  gave  thofe  who  vv'ere  nesi-.  him.  Hovk 
did  he  wifh  that  the  Bleliing  of  Him  in  rxbom  alt 
Nations  are  to  be  blejjed  might  reft  on  the  Perfons 
and  Families. ot  thofe  v,'ho  came  to  fee  him  1  How 
did  he  wilh a,  Christ  might  be  the  Portion  offc^vcrai^ 

thinking.; 


4 

Dr.  CotrroN  Mathxb.  155^ 

thinking  HE  was  'BhJJing  end"  ?  The  Bleffing  he 
gave  MnBYLEshisSifter'*sSon^  is  as  follows; '  My  deat 

*  Childj  and  my  Son^  mySon^  I  bkfs  you  ;  I  blefs 
f  you  ;  1  walh  you  ail  manner  of  Blerfings !  I  know 
'  not  what  better  to  wilh  you.  than  this^,  that  you  bo 
^,  ftrongin  the  Gr^^^  with,  which  our  Lord  Jesus 
*■  Christ  will  furnifhyou.  I  know  not  what  better 
'  to  wifh  you  than  this,  that  you  may  be  an  Inftru- 
^  ment  of  dij playing  to  others  the  ^Beauties  ^  Glories 
*■  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  know  not  what 
^  better  to  wilh  you  than  this,  that  you  may  be  very 

*  fruitful  in  Projedtions  and  EjJ'ays  to  do  Good^  that 
'  it  may  be  your  Ambition  to  b7'4ng  forth  much  of- 
'  that  Fruit  by  which  our  Heavenly  Father  may  be 
5  glorified.  You  have  been  acquainted  with  my  poor 
'  jManner  of  Livings  even  in  the  more  fecret  Strokes 
'  of  it  i  follow  what  you,  have  found  in  it  agreable  to 
^  the  i^attern  of  a  glorious  Christ.  My  dear  Son^ 
'  I  do  with  all  poliible  Altedion  recommend  you  to, 
'  the  Bleiling    of  our  dear  Lort>   Jesus  Christ. 

*  Take  my  Hands^  and  my  Heart  fuU  of  Blellings'. 

It  would  a  little  difcover  the  Vanity  of  the  Writer . 
as  well  as  the  Fondnefs  of  the  'JParenty  if  I  fhould 
write  all  the  Doctor  (aid  to  him  in  the  Blcffing 
He  gave  him  :  I  Ihall  therefore  but  jult  mention 
the  Tenor  of  it,  when  on  bended  Knees  his  Bleiiing 
was  asked  \  *"  You  have  been  a  dear  Son  and  a  pka^ 
*■  fant  Child  unto  me^  and  1  v;ilh  you  as  ;?/^;;j Blej^ln gs 
'  as  you  have  done  me  Services  which  arc  very  many. 
^.  I  wilh  and  pray  the  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac  and 
'  Jacob  may  be  yours  and  His  BMi;ig  reft  upon 
*■  you.     I  vviib  that,  as  you  have  a  ProfpcA  of  being ' 

*  ferviceable  in  the  World,you  ma,y  be  great  and  con- 
*■  fiderable,  as  the  Patriarchs  werc^  by  introducing  a;. 
^  Cm  R I  ST  into  the  World.  The  Grace  of  the  Lord 
*^  JE:>US  CHRIST  be  with  you.    AMEN  ! ' 

He  informed  me  then,,  what  he   would  have  to 
tedpnc  as  to  his  private  AiLi'-s  (5c  Papers  ;  and  when^ 

after 


J5<i  TH  Life  cf 

after  fevefal  i^i//^j  cf  private  Con4uEi  given  to  mf 
which  i  lliall  not  write^  I  asked  him  'what  Sentehce^ 
or  Wordy  ivhat  Uvt^vov  e^ttB'  He  'vc&uld  have  me  tbifik 
en  constantly y  for  I  ever  defired  to  have  him  bef©rc 
me  and  he^f  him  fpcaking  to  me  ?  He  faid,  ^  Rc- 
«■  member^  only  ^hat  ohq  word  FruBucfm  \  What  I 
have  thus  written  with  relation  to  my  felf  happened 
on  the  SAhhathy  two  Days  before  he  died. 

The  Day  before  he  died  he  had  (ome  Paffages read. 
to  him  eutufa  Book  he  printed^  entitulcdi^.^/?/f//r«x, 
which  Paffages  he  faid  He  felt  ^and  if  hit  had  StrengtM_ 
to  ffeak  he  would  ufe  the  uery  Words ;  I  (hall  tran- 
fcribethem,  lor  chcy  will  fuperfede  the  nicntion  of 
Sffy  other  Sentences  by  which  He  tellified  his  Tre- 
farednefs  for  "Ifeath.  They  are  as  follows  from^ 
ffig.  41  of  that  Book. 

^  If  the  Requcft  be  granted,  and  the  Felicity  of 
^  having  our  Saviour  gr^cisufiy  ijuith  us  be  obtai- 
*^  ned,  what  a  Strength  will  the  Joy  ofths  L0R1>^ 
'  give  to  us  for  ourConfiid  with  the  lafi  Enemy  ? 

*  It  is  a  Paffagc  in  the  Prophecies  of  Jehemi  ah  con- 
^  ccrning  the  Gofpel  Day^  which  is  to  p'i^  from  the 

*  Dc(lru6lion  of  the  old  Jerufalsm  to  the  Arrival  of 
^  the  m'Wy  when  the  LO  RT>  our  GOD  (hall  come 

*  iind  all  his  holy  ones  'with  him  ;  Zech.  xiv.  7.  It 
*■  jhall  ceme  to  pafs^at  Evcning'Time  it  pall  be  Lightl 
^  O  th^  Light y  which  a  glorious   Christ  prefent 

*  with  us  will  give  us  in  the  Evening,  when  we  ap- 
^"^  prehend  our  fclves  in  all  the  Darkncfs  which  ws 
*■  ihould  elfe  have  to  terrify  us^  when  the  Curtains  oK 
^  a  Deatb-'Bed  are  drawn  about  us  /  The  Light  of 
'  a  Soul  pailing  into  ?/57^  Inheritance  of  the  Saints  itK 
*■  Light  !  The  Light  of  an  open  and  AbundatJt 
'  Entrance  into  the  Taradife  of  GOU i 

^  May  we  have  our  glorious  Christ  with  us^ 
^  when  we  2lxc  pafjing  thro'  the  Fire,  we  'hall  be  as 
*■  unhurt,  as  untouch'd^  aseafy  as  the  three  Worthies 
^  \;ri^\vithQ  fiery  Fur ?kue.    By  His  good  Spi^i':^ 

Hq 


Dr.  Cotton  Mat«erJ  15^ 

^  He  will  now  fay  unto  us.  Fear  thou  noty  foy  lam 

^  ivitk  thee  ;  ^e  not  difmai'd,  for  I  am  thy  Goik 

^  and  SAV^IOUR,  I -Ml  strengthen  thee  y  yea  I 

*  mil  ajjifi  theey  yea  I  mil  uphold  thee  ^jcith  th^ 

*  Right  Ht^nd  of  my  Rightconptefs.  Upon  the  re- 
'  nouncing  of  all  Dependance  on  our  own  Righte- 
'  oi^te/s,  and  relying  on  the  Righteoufnefs  of  the 
*"  perfect  Obedience^  which  the  Son  of  God  ftoop- 
^.  ing  to  be  our  Surety  paid  unto  His  own  Law  irx 
'  our  ftead.  He  will  uphold  us  mth  the  Right 
^  Hand  of  His  Righteoufntfs,  Giving  us  to  fee  our 
^  fclves  furnifh'd  andcoverM  with  a  Righteoufnefs  ^i 
'^  more  Account  than  the  befl  u4ngei  in  Heavea 
^  may  pretend  unto.  He  will  enable  U3  to  fay.  The 
'  Gates  of  Righteoufnefs  Ifeefet  open  for  me  \  And 
'  having  a  Soul  feti  upon  xhtTraiJing  of  God,  greatly 
'  affeded  with  the'Praifes  of  hisCHRisT,and{lrongly 
"  defirous  to  celebrate  and  propagate,  we  ihall  b« 
"  able  to  go  on  and  fay,  /  will  go  in  at  thofe  goldm 
'  Gates  ;  I  have  fomething  t»  do  mcithin.  J  ivillgg 
'  in  andpraife  the  LORlD  ;  It  is  -u^hat  I  have  he^ 
*"  gun  to  do  ;  and  His  Traifc  endureth  forever  :  Ne- 
^  ver^  Never  f J  all  I  give  over  the  'Doing  oj  it, 

^Verily  the  gracious  Trefence  of  our  Saviour 
'  with  us  will  enable  us  to  Sing  /;/  the  Vulky  of  the 
^  Shadow  of  "Death  and  render  it  no  more  than  & 
-  Shadow  of  Death  unto  us.  It  will  fo  fet  us  above 
'  the  Fears  of  Death,  fo  that  if  perceiving  the  Signs 
'  of  it  upon  us,  we  be  asked.  Are  you  not  frighted  i 
'  We  fhall  chcarfully  reply^  No,  not  at  all  I  /  miU 
*■  notfo  difjonor  a  glorious  CHRIST  as  to  he  af- 
^  frighted  at  any  Thing  that  can  befal  me,  nvhih  I 
"^  .am  in  His  bleffcd  Hands !  It  will  fn  mollify  the 
'  fierce  Vifigc  i^i  Death,  as  that  if  our  Thi^'ts  cfthc 
•^  dying  Hour  be  enquired  after,  we  lliall  break  forth 
""  into  Triumphs  upon  it  -,  O  jcyful  Hour !  O  ivelcotne 
'  Hour  \  Come  Lord  ^/ESUS,  come  quickly,  ffhy 
*  fs  thy  Chariot  fo  long  a  coming  ? 


Ls3 


/ 


i5S  The  Li je  of 

*"  In  order  to  this,  T^ks  Tower  of  the  LORT>  being 
^  frefenty  He  will  enable  us  to  read  our  Evidences 
'  fer  Heaven  and  fee  the  evident  Tokens  of  Salvation-^ 
^  in  which  He  has  marked  us  for  thofe  of  whom  He 
'  has  declared^  T'/^ey  foall  h  mine  in  the  iiay  ivheu^ 
*■  I  make  up  my  yenmHs, 

^  We  fhall  fee, That  thcZoi;^  ofGO^  has caufed 
^  us  to  clofe    with  it  as  our  BleiTedncfs,  and  to   be 

*  ambitious  of  nothing  fo  much  as  this,  that  we  may 
*■  Be  and  may  Do  what  may  be  a  grateful  SpeBack 
*■  unto  Him,  and  be  afraid  ofallowing  fo  much  as  in 
*^  the  'tho'ts  Sc  Frames  of  our  Hearts,  any  Thing  that 
^  He  may  be  difplcafed  at, 

^  Wr  Ihallfee,  That  th^Faith  of  Christ  has  not 
^  only  carried  us  unto  Him,to  be  made  Ri^g^hteous  and 
^  Holy   in  the  Evangelical  Way,  and  be  brought  by 

*  Him  unto  the  full  Enjoyment  of  God  in  a  death- 

*  lefs  Sc  fmlefs  World/  but  alfo  caulcd  as  to  take  up 
^  with  Him  as  our  Alfufficient  'Portion. 

*■  Wtt  fhall  fee.  That  wc  have  a  Spirit  of  Benignity 
^  towards  our  Neighbour,  and  rejoice  in  all  the  Good 
^  that  may  be  done  unto  him. 

^Seeing  xSxt^c  Marks  of  the  Lamh  \y^ow  us,  wc 
^  fhall  conclude,  0  my  S AV 10  UR,  I  am  thine  ; 
^  and  nothing  fo  all  pluck  me  out  of  thy  glorious  Hands  \ 
*■  The  Holy  Spirit  of  God  helps  the  Believer  firfl 
^  in  a  way  of  rational  Argumentation  to  take  En- 
*^  couragcment  from  the  'Things  that  accompany  Sal- 
*■  vation  found  upon  him.  And  v.hile  he  is  doing  fo, 
^  he  breaks  in  upon  the  Soul  of  the  Believer  in  a  way 

*  of  m.ore  immediate  Irradiation  and  with  an  over- 
*■  powering  ?c  overwhelmingEfHcacy  afFures  \\\m,T/:e 
^glorious  G02J  has  made  Thee  one  of  His  Children, 
**  and  'willfurdy  do  thes  Good. 

^  Hz 


Dr.  Cotton  M'Ather.  ijf 

^  Hii  will  enable  us  to  feel  the  Life  ofGO^, 
^  begun  in  oui  Souli,  and  a  predominant  Refpc^ 
*■  unto  the  gre^t  Cod  governing  of  us  andenclining 

*  us  to  ackno'xkge  H I M in  all  our  Ways  i  Wclhall 
^  then  rail©  this  Conclufion  upon  it.  Here  is  a  Life 

*  begun  that  can  terminate  no  other'wije  than  in  am 
'  Endlefs  Life  iscith  my  GOD.  "there  is  a  Well  of 
*■  Water  in  me  that  iviUffring  up  to  everlafling  Life. 
^  heathy  do  thy  'worft  ;  there  is  no  liilling  of  that 
^  Life  ixhich  my  GO  2)  has  begun  to  ratfe  me  to, 
^  Have  I  bad  a  glorious  CHRIS/' living  y  ailing  and 
*■  'working  in  me y  and  quickening  tne  for  Living  unto 

*  G02)  ;  and  'will  He  ever  iofe  His  hold  of  me  ? 
^  NOy  no ;  lam  fur  e  of  Living  ivith  Him  for  evermore  I 

^  SUT  indeed  it  is  not  cafy  to  recite  and  reckon 
^  all  the  ravilhing  Rcfledlions,  wKich  a  Christ 
^  gracioujly  prefsnt  with  a  departing  Believer  may 

*  give  Him  the  nofmallConfolationsofGOjDvikhil/* 
-—I  ihould  here  write  on  further  from  the  ^6th  Page 
to  the  51 ;  but  I  remember  a  few  Pages  before  I  gave 
ft  you. 

Th»  Doctor  died  on  February  the  thirteenth, 
which  'A'as  the  Day  after  his  5*f>r/7-iZ>/!rj'^  in  which 
his  fluty  nfthYccLV  was  confummatcd-  From  the  Thurl^ 
day  before  to  that  Time  he  was  dying  of  an  hud 
Cou^h  and  a  fufFocatmg  ^fthnia  with  a  Fever ;  but 
he  felt  no  great  Pain ;  he  had  the  fwest  Comfofure 
and  eafy  T>eparturey  for  which  he  had  entreated  fo 
often  and  fervently  the  fovereigrr  Diipofcr  of  all 
Things. 

"tHUS  Lived  and  thus  T^icJ  Dr.  Mather, 
to  ufe  the  words  of  one  of  our  Miniflers  in  his  Dif- 
courfeon  his  Death,  the  Glory  of  Learning ^  and 
the.  Ornament  of  Chrijiianity   *, 


The  Rev.  Mr.  THACHER  o^Bonm- 

H 


( 


i6c  "The  Life  of 

He' Wis hurieJ  tht  Monday  following;  when>&fj 
Church  (  which  honourably  bore  the  Charge  of  th^ 
Funeral  )  to  tcMy  their  fuperior  Regard  for  their  dcat 
Paftor;,went  hefore  the  Corpfe ;  while  the  Honourable 
"Willi  A.M  Dummer^  our  Lieut.Governor  and  Com- 
mander in  Chiefs  the  Honourable  the  Council  ancj 
Refrefentatives  of  this  Province,  with  a  vaft  Num- 
ber of  MinifierSy  jfupces  ef  the  Teac$^  Merchants, 
&c.  followed  the  MourHcrs. 

The  ^hurfday  before  the  Burial,  the  Reverend 
Mr.  CoLMAN,  preaching  Utthe  L©durc  on  Enoch^s 
ITranJlation^  gave  him  an  handfome  Chara(R:er ;  and 
the  Sabbath  after  Mr.  Gee  conlidcred  th%  Mourning  of 
Sfrailfor  Aaron, and  ingcnioufly applied  it  unto  the 
mournful Occafion  prefented  unto  us.—  Mr.  Prince 
alfo  preached  ^  funeral  Sermon  on  him  from  Elisha's 
Lamentation  for  Elijah,  wherein  he  has  done  my 
Father  a  great  deal  of  Juftice. —  Which  Three  Ser- 
mons together  with  a  Fourth  Preach'd  by  the  Dod:or's 
Sony  in  his  Father's  Pulpit  foon  after  his  Death,  have 
been  Publiftied  among  us. 

I  fball  now  clofe  the  Account  of  my  Father's 
Life,  with  a  CA'TALOGUE  of  the  Books  hf 
PublilhM. 

Cardan  wrote  a  Book,  ^e  Libris  fropriis  ; 
and,  fays  he,  Imitatus  fum  in  hoc  ftrihendi  Genere 
Galenum  6"/-  Erasmum,  qui  ambd  Gatalogum  Li- 
l>rorum  fuorum  fcripferunt.—Dr.  Mather  like  thefe, 
was  obliged  to  write  ^Catalogue  of  his  Works  ;  and  it 
v^aswell  he  did  ;  fcrothervvife  I  (hould  not  have  been 
able  to  have  given  a  complete  one  to  the  World.' 
Me  has  publilhed  three  Hundred  and  eighty  t--u:o 
Books,  as  [  laid  before:  The  Titles  of  which  with 
the  Tears  wherein  they  were  emitted  are  now  to  be 
exhibited  and  to  terminate  the  Life.,  as  a  Friend 
calls  him,  ofont  ofttemoflfious;  kf.rv^d  and  effec- 
tive of  Mortal!. 


A 

C  ATALCGUE 

G    t       T    H     E 

BOOKS 

Publiftitd  by  Dr.  fipatljCt. 


T 


I  5  8  cr. 

He  Call  of  the  Gofpel. 
Military  Duties.     A  Sermon  to  the  Artiller]? 
Company  in  Middlefev:. 


1  6^6  •}, 

Right  Tho'ts  in  fad  Hours  :    on   the  Death  of  a  firll 
Born. 

1^88. 

Early  Pi'ety  exemplified  in   the  Life  of  his   Brother 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Mather,   with  feveral  Sermons. 

I  d  8  9. 

Small   Offers  towards  the  Service  of  the  Taberna'le 

in  the  Wildernefs. 
Memorable  frovidences  reb.iing  to  Witchcrafts  and 

Podellions,  witli  fome  ::.ermons  annexed. 
Soldiers  counielled  and  comforted. 
AVoik  upon  the  Ark. 

^rhe  woBderfijl  Works  ofGoT^commcmnrated,  with  a 

Isrmbti  to  the  Convention. on  the  way  to  Profperity. 

fe'e^fuy  Repenhtiee    iihs^ed  :   with    foine    hiit'>ii'-ai 


1-^i  "The  'Booki  "PulHped 

\     6    ^    Q, 

The  prcfent  State  of  New-England  conlidered  in  t 

Difcourre  on  apublick  Spirit. 
H  Companion  for  Communicants. 
The  Serviceable  Man.     A  Sermon  at  the  Annivcrfarj 

Eledion. 
Serious  Thoughts  in  dying   Times. 
Addrellcs  to  old  Men,    young  Men  and  little  ChiU 
A  Scriptural  Catcchifm.  [drcn. 

The  Triumphs  of  the  Reformed  Religion  in  America^ 
in  the  Life  of  Mr.  John  Eliot. 

1^91. 

TspeClcndct  ;   or  Things  to  be  looked  for. 

little  Hocks  guarded  agamlt  grievous  Wolves  j  or  a 

Dilplay  of  Quakerifm. 
Ornaments  tor  the  Daughters  of  Zien;  or  the  Cha- 
racter and  Happinefe  of  a  virtuous    Woman. 
BlclTed  Unions  j    with  the  Heads  of  Agreement  be* 

tvvecn  the  united  Brethren. 
r:iirWcather ;.  or  a  facredExorcifm  upon  finfnl  Difcon- 
tcntjvvith  lomc  things  annexed  to  premoteGodlinefs, 
"Bahamim  Vulnerarium  e  Scriptura  ;    or  the  Caufe 

and   Cure  of  a  wounded  Spirit. 
lYe^aratoiy   Meditations  on  the  Day  of  Judgment. 
A  ^lidnight  Cry ;  with   an  Inflrument  of  Acknow-'  ' 
legements  and  Protcftations. 

I   <^  9   2. 

O'^tanJo.  :  or  good  Men  defcribed  and  good  Thingi 

pi  ©pounded. 

'i'^hc  Wonck-rs  of  the   invilibl©  World  ;    v.'ii'h  a  Dift 

courlc  annexed  concerning  Temptations. 

'Cnivn]scQ£jjuriii}rr,QT  awakeningsYor  thcUnregcrerate, 

I  6   Q  :. 

Vi'arnings  from  the  Dead:    SeriT.ons  cccafioncd -by 
tbir.c  cnpical  ExccutiouSw  'Fh& 


hy  2>r.  Mather,'  "i€^ 

The  Day  and  the  Work  of  the  Day* 
Winter  Meditations. 

1594, 

Early  Religion  with  certain  Memoirs  of  feme  who  as 

their  i;cath  left  Examples  of  it. 
The  (hurt  Hiflory  of  Ise'w- England. 
Srcnrologia  Sacra  :  Sermons  occafioned  by  remarka- 
ble  Th  nder-Storms. 
Seven  rclc-^  Lcdurcs, 
Durable  Riches .  or  the  true  Caufe  of  loflng,  andthd 

right  Way  of  thriving. 
Help  for  diflrelFcJ  Parents. 

A  good  Mailer  well  lerved  :  or  the  Properties  dc  Prac-. 
ticesof  a  goodiJervant,  with  the  Duties  of  aiviaiter* 

t  a  9  5- 

Johannes  in  Eremo  :    or  the  Lives  of  feveral  famous 

Divines. 
Ohfervand^i :  or  the  Life  of  the  late  Queen  Mary  ; 
and  aDifcourfeon  the  Wheels  of  DivineProVidencCi 
A  Cry  againft  Opprelfion. 
ThcChriitiaa  Thank- Offering, 

^  let  as  inTatriam  t  or  theLife  of  SirWi  tL  t  a  m  Pm  1  p  ps  . 

Things  for  a  difireired  l^eople  to  think  upon  ;  A  Ser-^ 
mon  at  the  Anniverfary  Ekcftion  :  with  fev^rivi 
Hiltories  annexed. 

Great  Examples  of  judgment  and  Mercy ;  with  Me- 
morable^ occurring  in  the  SulFerings  of  Captives 
among  the  Indians; 

Gofpc't  for  the  Pdor. 

The  Sot\g5  of  tht  Redt'emeci  r  A  Book    <^^  Hyinh^; 

M  i^  McckfuiJ^ei 


j^ccle/iaj!es :  or  the  Li/c  of  Mr.  Jonathan  Mltcheh 
Humiliations  followed  with  Deliverances ;  to  which 

are  annexed  fome  Remarkable  Providences. 
The   Way    to   excel  :     A  Funeral   Sermon  on  Mn 

John  'Baily  with  Memoirs  of  his  Life ;    and  tho 

Character  of  a  Chriilian. 
^Jensfana  in  Corf  ore  fano  ;  or  a  Difcourfc  upon  a 
Recovery  from  Sickncfs. 

I  5  5>  8. 

i'he  SofionisH  Ehenezer ;  ^ith  a  Lcfturc  on  Houfe- 

hold  Religion. 
Ekutheria.    Aii  Idea  of  the  Reformation,    and  an 

Hiflory  of  Non-Conformity. 
A  Pailoral  Letter  to  the  Englifh  Captives  in  Africa. 
i[)ecemfium  LuBuofum.    An  Hiftory  of  Remtrkablc 

Occurrences  in  the  long  War  with  the  Indians  from 

1(588  to  \6^%  \  with  two  Lcdlures  for  the  Religious 

Improvement  of  them. 
Ti'he  lerious  Chriflian.    Three  EHiys, 
Pillars  of  Salt.     An  Hiftory  of  Criminals   executed!; 

witb  two  Ledtures  on  Sin  punifhcd  v^'ith  Sin<» 

J  6  9  9- 

Z^  Religion  pura  :     To  which  is  added.  La  Fe  del 
Chrljltano  :  An  Eflay  to  convey  Religion  into  th« 
S^'amp  India. 
The  Faith  of  the  Fathers  :  A  Catcchifm  for  the  Jewilli 

Nation. 
A  Family  well-ordered  :  with  an  Addrefs  ad  Fratres 

in  Eremo. 
Thirty  important  Cafes ;  publifhed  in  the  Name  of 

the  Minif^crs  meeting  at  Cambridge. 
A    Letter  of  AdvJce  to  the  Churches  of  the  Non- 

Conformiih. 
TheEverLiftlnfrGofpfl ;  or  the  Gofpel  ofjuftification. 
The  Relie^ious  Marriner. 

The  Flocks  wi^'-ned  againft  Wolves  in  Sheeps  Cloath- 
ing  ;  with  an  •  l^ftory  of  Impoft;^r5,  apd  a  Lecture 
o^  their  Occafion. 

I  ■'CO. 


1700. 

Things  that  young  Pdople  fliould  think  upon. 

A  monitory  i>nd  hortatory  Letter  to  theEngUfh  who 

debauch  the  Indians, 
An  Epifllc  ,to  the  Chriftian  Indians ;  Englill]i  on  one 

Page,  and  Indian  on  the  other. 
The  good  Linguill. 
A  monitory  Letter  concerning  the  Maintenance  of 

the  Miniftry. 
A  Pillar  o^  Gratitude  :  4  Serjnon  at  the  Anniverfary 
Rcafonable  Religion.  [  Elciliop- 

Grace  triumphant. 
A  Defence  of  Evangelical  Churches. 
The  great  Phylician. 

A  Token  for  the  Children  of  Nenv-En^ldnd,  in  Nar- 
ratives and  Inftances  of  Piety  in  Children. 
American  Tears  upon  the  Ruins  of  the  Greek  Chur- 
The  young  Man's  Monitor.  [  ches. 

Triumphs  over  Troubles, 
The  old  Principles  of  Nciv- England, 
CIprifiianus  per  Ign^eni  \  or  a  Dilcipfe  warming  him- 
felf  and  owning  his  Lob,d. 

I  1.  o  I. 

A   Companion  for  the  AfHic^cd. 
A  Let??r  coricerning  the  Sufferings,  of  our  ProtelTant 
I'he  young  Man's  Preferv^tive.  [  Brethren. 

I'hamiatorrapbia  Chrif/vana  :  or  tl^e Wonders  of  hri- 
Death  made  eafy  'aVi(S.  happy.  [ilianity. 

A   Chriilian   at   his  Calling.     Two  Eflays  ;   One  011 

the  general  Callirs;,  another  Giithc  perfonaL 
Chriftianity  to  the  Lile :  ADifcoyrfe  on  the  Imita-tion 

of  our   SAviouf^. 
Mafchil  I  or  the,  faitliful  Inlirudlor,  ip  Memorials  of 

Cbriftianity. 
Advice  to  the  Churches  of  the  Faithful ;  reportinc;  the 

prcfcnt  State  of  the  Church  Uiro 'out  the  World. 

JfJagfLiUa,    CUR  IS  fl    Aueucina    ;     or     the, 

Church'Hiftory    of  NcvJ-jB.'Jgla^i  /.^ 

M  -;  '      1-7?:. 


1702, 

Cares  about  the  Nurferies. 

Much   in  a  little. 

A  L^iccer  to  tac  ungofpellizcd  Plantations. 

A  monitory  Letter  to  them  who  abfcnt   thcmlclve« 

from  the  publick  Worftiip  of  GOD. 
A  Icafonable  Teitiniony  to  the  Do6lrines  of  Grace 

letcn'u  .>ut  of  the   Articles  and  Homilies  of  chc 

Church   oi  England. 
Tnc   l^ortraiture  uf  a  good  Mgn. 
I^ecelTary  Admonitions  concerning  Sins  of  Omiffion, 
Wholcfome  Words:  or^  A.  Viiks  of  Advice  toFamilies 

vilited  with  Sickncfs. 
Meat  jut  of  the  Sater  :  or  Funeral  Difcourfes  occafi^ 

oned  hy  the  iJeath  of  feveral  Relatives. 

1703. 

The  Day  which  the  Lord  has  made  :  A  Difcourfe 
concerning  the  Inflitution  and  Obferyation  of  the 
LoRp's  bay. 

The  Glory  of  Goodnefs  \  with  Remarks  on  the  Re- 
demption ofCaptivcs  rem  theCruelties  oijjarhary. 

The  tS^etircd  Chrillian. 

I'hc  nigh  Attainment  :  A  Difcourfe  on  Refignation, 

Agreable  Admonitions  to  Young  and  Old. 

A  Fa-nily  i^acriiice. 

Leff^is  of  .}odlinefs  for  Children  of  godl^y  AncefTors^ 

Great  CanO^lat^uns  :  or  a  tempced  Chriftian  trium^  h- 
ing  over  his    J  emptations. 

The  Ar  nour  ..fChriftianity  :  A  Treatife  on  the  Wiles 
of  the  Devil. 

Je^Iic-iiah  ;  or  a  Favorite  of  Heaven  defcribed. 

Methods  d<.  Motives  ior  a  Society  to  fupprefsDif orders. 

iv^y^x,  Or  a  vertu.jus  Woman  found.  An  Ellay  on 
the  Death   of  Airs.  M(iy\  "Bn-ir}}. 

A  Tree  pla-ucd  by  the  Rivers  of  W^ter.  An  IZllay 
on  the  Improvements  to  be  made  of  our  facreJ 
Baptifm. 

J  7  o  4' 


by  T>T.  Mathkr.  fg-y 

1704, 

youth  under  a  good  Conduct. 

A  weaned  Chriltian, 

A  faithful  Monitor  ;  with  an  AL{lra»(fl  of  the  Laws 

againfl  punifhablc  Wickcdnefs. 
Zg  'vrai  Matron  de  Saines  'Paroles;  defign'd  for   th^ 

Inflrudlion  of  our  FrencJi  Ci^ptivcs. 
A  Servant  of  the  Lord  not  afliaaied  of  his  Lor\r, 
Faithful  Warnings  to  prevent  fearful  JudgiViCnts, 
The  Nets  of  Salvation  ;  with  a  Poem. 
A  Comforter  of  the  Mourners. 
Z^.\'   Mercatoria;  or  the  falie  Dealer  fairly  dcakwith, 
Nketas]   or  Temptations  to  Sin  well   anlwcred   and 

conquered. 
Sapujtes ;  or  a   Conference   about  the  Subject:  and 

Manner  of  Baptifm. 
Monica  Americana  ;  or  Female  Pipty  exemplified^  in 

a  funeral  Sermon  for  Mrs.  Sarah  Leventt  with  au 

Elegy. 

1705, 

A  Letter  about  the  prcfent  State  of  Chriflianity 
among  the  Indians. 

A  faithful  Man  defcribed  and  rewarded :  A  funeral 
Sermon  for  Mr.  ^t//V/;^Tf/  iViggicjhvG; rh,  with  Me- 
morials of  Piety  extra61ed  from  his  Papers. 

Parental  Wilhes  and  Charges;  withaPucm  entitle  J 
the  Confcnt. 

Family  Religion  excited  and  alPilled. 

The  Rules  of  a  Vilir. 

Marc  ^Pacidaun  \     or  the.  Satisfa5lior»«  of"  iitHi-.^fc  1 

The  Chridian  Temple,  \  Chrillianity, 

k^i'j^ilantlus  ;  or  the  Servant  of  the  Lord  found  ready 
for  Mis  Coming,  on  the  i^each  of  feven  young 
Minifters,  with  an  Flegy. 

The  Religion  oftheCloiet^  or  theChrii^ian  furniJhed 
*  with  a  Comoanion  for  Solitude. 


M  A 


I    7    O  (y, 

QoQcl  Leffons  for  Children ,  in  Verfe, 

A  young  follower  of  a  great  SaviouRo 

Free  Grace  maintained  and  improved. 

The  Negro  Chriftianized. 

The  good  old  Way  ,  or  Chriftianity  as  it  appeared  ;n 

the  Lives  of  the  pricnitive  Chrifl-ians. 
Private  Alcetin^s  animated  and  regulated. 
Heavenly  Confiderations ;  or  the  Joy  of  Heaven  over 

them  that  ani'wer  the  Call  of  Heaven. 
Good  fetch'd  out  of  Evil  :    A  Collection   of  Memor- 

ables  relating  to  our  Captives. 
The  impenitent  Sinner  diiarm'd  of  his  Plea  for  Impe- 
The  belt  Ornaments  of  Youth.  [nitcncy. 

Treacle  fetch'd  out  pf  a  Viper  :  An  Effay  upon  Falls 

into  Sin. 
The  Man  of  GOD  furnifhed  with  fupplics  from   tlpe 

Tower  of  ^avid. 
An  Effay  upoa  the  Charader  and  Condition  of  the 

[Covetous. 

X  7  o  7- 

Another  Tongue  bro't  in  to  confefs  our  Saviour  :  or 

Chriftianity  in  the  Tongue  of  the  Iroquois  Indians. 
An  EiTay  upon  profane  Cuffing  and  Swearing. 
The  Soldier  told  what  he  fhoufd  do. 
T^K-  greatcfl  Concern' in  the  \V6rId. 
Frontiers  well  defended  :     An  Effay  direding  our 

frontiers  how  to  behave  themfelveSo 
The  Fall  of  Babylon. 
Ornamental  Piecv, 

Th"  Spirit  of  Life  entring  into  the  SpirituallyDead. 
^  .'nlv  ChrilTianity. 
iVuuh'Ofi  ''fujui  :  Mortality  conddcred  r  in  aScrmoa 

at  the  Funeral  of  J.  Winthrop,  tiq; 

1708. 

Spber  Confideratio^^is  on  a  growing  Flood  of  Inlquityo 
Yoiith  in  its  brightcft  s^io/y. 

Corderi 


Uk 


Cor  derm  jiynericanm.    A  funeral  Sermon  on  the 
'  Death  of  Mr.  Bzek.  Cheever,  sskh  art  Elegy. 
A  good  Evening  for  the  beft  of  Days. 
The  Temple  opening. 

Ni^ftc  dimittis  briefly  defcanted  on  :  A  funeralSerm.on 
on  Mr.  John  Hl^^infon^  with  Memoirs  of  his  Life. 

1709. 

The  Defires  of  the  Repenting  Believer, 

The  Bopds  of  the  Covenant. 

The  Sailor's  Companion  and  Counfellor. 

Work  within  Doors. 

A  Chriftian  Converling  with  the  greateft  Myfl:ery  of 

AnEifay  on  theStreets  ofthe  Holy  City.  [Chriftianity, 

The  Cure  of  Sorrow- 

The  Heavenly  Converfation. 

DuiV  di  Afhes :  An  gfTay  on  Repentance  to  the  lafl. 

I    7    I   CJr 

Chriftianity  demonflrated  :  An  EfTay  on  the  Witnefs 

Within." 
Bonifaciui  :  An  Eday  upon  the  Good  to  be  devifed 

by  thofe  who  would  anfwer  the' great  End  of  Life. 
lEliojcibeth  in  her  holy  Retirement. 
Man  eating  the  Food  of  Angels  :  or   the  Religion  of 

the   Morning,  with  the  Hiftory  of  Von  Extor. 
Nehemiab  :  An  Ellay  on  Divine  Confolations. 
Memorials  of  Early  Piety :  The  Life  dc  Death  of  Mrs. 

jferujha  Oliver. 

I   T   r   I. 

'' Orpbafw-tropbium;  or  Orphans  well  provided  for. 
CompaiTions  call'd  for;  or  profitribie  Reflexions'  on 

miferable  Spe^^acles. 
The  rilherman's  Calling. 
A  Chridian  Funeral. 
Tfhe  old  J'^aths  Reltorei. 
Perruafions  from  tht*  Terror  of  tl\e  I-ord  :  A  Sermon 

c?!th&  Day  of  TudjmeiiT, 
*  Tho*e 


THo'ts  for  the  Day  of  Rain  ;  or  the  Golpcl  of  th« 

Rainbow,  ^c. 
Advice  from   "taherah ;  A  Sermon  afcer  the  tcrriblf 
.     Fire  in  Sojion. 
A  Soul  wcH-anchored. 
Winter  Piety. 
Seafonable  Tho'ts  on  Mortality. 

I    7    I    2. 

Awakening  Tho'ts  on  the  Sleep  of  Death ;  with  % 
Debt  paid  unto  the  Memory  ot  .f^i^ie   that  lleep  in 

The  Ways  <?c  Joys  of  Early  Piety.  [  Jesus, 

Paftoral  Defires. 

The  Young  Man  fpoken  to. 

The  hard  Way  of  Tra^nfgreirors, 

Reafon  fatisfied  and  Faith  eflablilhed  ;  or  the  Refur- 
reiflion  of  Jesus  demonftrated. 

A  Town  in  its  trueft  Glory. 

Qrata  Srevltas :  A  fhort  Effay  to  demonflrate  a  few 
Words  may  have  much  comprized  in  them. 

Repeted  Warnings  ;  with  the  Remarkable  ExpericHf 
ces  of  a  young  Man. 

Grace  defended  j  with  a  DilTcrtation  about  the  peni- 
tent Thief. 

A  fiyingRoll  to  enter  theHoufe  Sc  Hand  of  the  Thief. 

ffalpffha  Rediviva  :  The  good  Works  of  a  vertuous 
Woman  defcribed^  commended ;,  with  fomc  Juilic^' 
to  the  Memory  of  xMrs.  JE!iiz>.  HutclJuijo}), 

171;. 

Adverfus  Llhertlnos  \  or  Evangelical  Obedience  dei^ 
cribed  and  demanded. 

A  Teftimony  againft  fome  evil  Cuflomcs, 

A  Man  of  his  Word. 

Things  to  be  tho't  upon. 

The  A.  B.  C.  of  Religion. 

Golgotha  :  A  lively  Defcription  of  Death;  with  Me- 
morials of  an  hopeful   Young  Man. 

A  Prefent  of  Summer  Fruit.  TI19 


The  curbed  Sinner  ;  A  Sermon  occaiioned  by  a  Ser^* 
tence  of  Death  on  a  young  Man  tor  Murder. 

What  Ihould  be  moft  of  all  tho't  upon 

An  Eflay  upon  a  Soul  at  eafe  ;  a  funerai  Sermon  for 
Mrs.  Mary  Ruk. 

The  Will  of  a  Father  fubmitted  to. 

^he  Religion  of  the  Crofs  \  occalioncd  by  the  Death 
of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Mi t her. 

Hezeki<i/^ ;  A  Chriftian  armed  with  Strength  for  aDay 

The  bell  way  of  Living.  [  of  Advcrfity. 

I  7  I  4. 

A  perfe^b  Recovery  ;  exhibited  after  a  fickly  Winter. 
A  Life  of  i^iety  refolvcd  on:  Upon  the  Death  of  Mrs. 

Sara/j  Ting, 
Vita  brevis ,  an  Eilay  upon  withering  Flowers. 
Maternal  Confolations ,  on  the  Death  of  Mrs.  Maris 
The  ^acrilicer.  ^  L  ^^^'^^^■^^''^ 

Infanabilia  :  An  EHay  upon  incureables. 
A  fhort  Life,  yet  not  a  vain  one  :  occaiioned  by  fome 

Infbances  of  Mortality. 
Vcrbci  vivi;ica :  ibme  \VorJs  of  Life^  produced  by  the 

Death  of  £ome  young  Perfons 
The  glorious  Throne  :  A  Sermon  on  the  Succeffion  of 

theT^ntilhCrovvn  to  the  illuitriousHoiifc  oUIanover. 
OL)uoder.enniU'-'  luthiofum  :  The  Hiilory  of  a  War  with 

the  Indians  from  the  Year  17^.2,  to  i'  14- 
A  Monitor  for  Communicants. 
Death  Approaching. 

'Pcfcentius :  An  hiFav  how  to  live  in  hard  Times. 
Verba  of^porfium  :  The  Circumli-ap.cs  (^):  'B^ofton  con- 

lideredj  wich  frefh  IncHlcations  oi  early  Piety. 


Juff  Commemorations;  the  De;^- i^  '>t  gooa  Men  con- 
iklcred  with  the  Char? 'ter  of  fome. 

bo  .'Id  e  Tirrrn  loniiriqiici  :   An  Account  of  lomc 


g(vjd  ^ad  JT'Cnt  Thing:,  clone  in  I::^}  oj-e. 


A 


I7i  ^h8  Seeks  "PuhUjhed 

A  Sorrowful  SpecSbacle :  Sermons  occafioned  by  a  Sen- 
tence of  Death  on  a  Murderer. 
A  Monitor  for  the  Children  of  the  Covenant. 
The  Echoes  of  Devotion. 
The  grand  Point  of  Sollicitude ;  or  an  EfTay  upon 

Divine  Defcrtions. 
Good  Men  defcribed  with  the  Charatfler  and  Hiitory 

of  Mr.  T'homas  Bridge. 
Shaking  Difpenfations  with  Remarks  on  the  Death 

of  the  French  King. 
Zapis  e  Monte  excijus :  The  Stone  cut   out   of  the 

Mountain ;  a  Treatife  in  Englifh  and  Latin. 
Parent  alia  :  The  Blelfings  and  Comforts  for  pious 

Children  after  the  Death  of  their  good  Parents. 
Succeffive  Generations :  Remarks  on  the  Changes  of 

a  dying  World. 
Vital  Religion  fervcd  with  eight  Eflays. 
Fair  Dealing  between  Debtor  and  Creditor. 
The  Servants  of  Abraham;  with   Motives  for  the  In- 

ftrudion  of  Servants. 
Life  fwiftly  pafling  and  quickly  ending;  on  the  Death 

of  Mrs.  Mehitabel  Gerrijb. 
The  City  of  Refuge. 
The  Chriftian  Cynick. 

1715. 

The  Refort  of  Piety. 

Piety  demanded. 

Direv^ions  how  to  fpend  theLoRT^'s  Day  Evening. 

A  brief  Eday  on  Tokens  for  Good. 

The  Thankful  Chriftian. 

ViElorifi'a :  A  Sermon  on  the  Deceafe  of  Mrs.  Katbd- 

rin  AlathcTy  with  a  further  Account. 
Zelotes :  A  Zeal  for  the  Houfe  of  GOD  blown  up: 

A  Sermon  at  the  opening  of  a  new  Church. 


171  7, 
Xhe  Cafe  oi^  troubled  Mind, 


Iconockjles 


ly  2)r.  Mathep.  ij^ 

JcoHOclnftes :  An  Eflay  upon  Idolatry  too  often  com- 
mitted under  the  moft  Reformed  Chriflianky. 

The  Voice  of  theDove ;  with  Memoirs  of  Mr.  Robert 
Kitchen. 

TheEverlaflingGofpel  to  be  preach'd  unto  theNation5. 

The  Valley  oi  Hinnom  :  The  Terrors  of  Hell  demon- 
ftrated  in  the  hearing  of  a  murderous  Malefador. 

Tebrif upturn :  AnEfTay  for  the  Cure  of  ungodlyAnger^ 

Jlnaftafjus :  The  Refwrreftion  oi Lazarus  improved. 

The  Tribe  of  Aper  :  A  Sermon  at  the  Baptifm  of 
a  Grand  Child. 

Piety  and  Eauity  united,  i.  The  Defires  of  Piety. 
2.    The  Meafures  of  Equity. 

The  Divine  Sovereignty  difplayed  and  adored  ;  otx 
the  Death  of  Mrs.  Hannah  Senuall 

Ilddes  lookM  into  :  The  Power  of  our  Saviour 
over  the  invifible  World  ;  at  the  Funeral  of  l^ait 
Wifithorf  Efq;  with  an  Elegy  and  Epitaph. 

Inftrujftions  to  the  Living  from  the  Condition  of  the 
Dead  :  Remarkables  on  the  Fate  of  Pirates  ^  and  i 
Sermon  on  their  Occaffon. 

Faith  encouraged  ;  with  a  Relation  df  the  Jewirfi 
Children  at  'Berlin. 

Raphael :  The  Bleffmgs  of  an  healed  Soul  confidered 

I   7   I  8. 

An  Effay  to  do  good  unto  the  Widow. 

The  obedient  Suiiercr. 

Brethren  dwelling  together  in  Unity:  A  Sermon  at 

the  Ordination  of  a  Baptift  Minifter. 
^Pfnlterium  Americanum  :    The   Book  of  'Pfalms  in 

Blank  Verfe,  with  liluftrations. 
A  Man  of  Reafon. 
An  Eflay  on  theCondition  of  Man  known  inhisPlace 

no  more :  A  funeralSermon  ^ox^r Srhomas'B arnard , 
Providence  affej  ted  and  adored :  A  Sermon  occafioncci 

by  the  Deiith  of  feveral  who  were  drowned. 
The  Religion  of  an  Oach. 


i^ 


ij4  "^he  ^ooks  "Publijhed 

17x9. 

A  ^iftfeffed  People  entertained   with  Propofals  fot 

the  Relief  of  their  DiflrelFes. 
A  new  Year  well  begun  :  An  EfTay  offered  on  a  New 
Genethlia  fia  :  Thot's  for  a  Birth  Day.     [Years  Day* 
;^/^/7///^*i  orthe  Awakencr. 
Youth  advifed  :  An  Eflky  ott  the  Sins  of  Youth. 
A  glorious  ErpoufaL' 
jDeJiJerius  :  A  defireable  Man  defcribed  with  a' Com* 

memoration  of  Mn  James  Keith, 
An  Heavenly  Life. 

The  Salvation  of  the  Soul  confidered. 
The  Tried  ProfefTor. 
An  Effay  on  fcafonable  Interpofitions  of  Divine  Pro* 

vidence,  on  the  5th  of  iV'"y^^<^^^r. 
The  Righteous  Man  defcribed,  and   affertcd   as  the 

excellent  Man  :  A  Sermon  on  Mr  Jofepb  Ger}ifh. 
An  Account  of  an  tincommon  Appearance  in   the 

Heavens,  with  Remarks  npon  it. 
A  Year  and  a   Life  well  concluded  :  A  Sermon  on 

the  lafl  Day  of  the  Year. 
Sincere  Piety  defcribed,  »&  theTrial  of  Sincerety  affifted* 

1710. 

A  Brother's  Duty :  An  EiFay  on  every  Man  his  Bro* 

thers  Keeper. 
The  quickned  Soul;  or  the  Withered  Hand  revived. 
Cobekth :  A  Soul  upon   Recolledion  coming   into 

incontcftible  Sentiments  of  Religion. 
Undoubted  Certainties:  A  certain  Profped  of  Death; 

A  Sermon  on  Mrs.  Abig;ail  SeivaU. 
The  Right  way  of  fhaking  off  a  Viper. 
The  Chrilli^n  Philof.phcr. 
The  Ambalilicor's  Tears. 
The  accomplilh'd  Singer. 
Americaij^  Scatin\entj  on  the  Arian  Gontrovcrfy. 
■'^ 


I  y  z  I,  . 

India  Chrijiidna  :  An  Account  of  the  Propagation  of 

Chriflianity  in  the  Eaft  as  well  as  JVeft-Indies. 

Hontfta  ^arfmoma ;    or  Time  fpenc  as  it  Ihould  bc» 

What  the  pious  Parent  wiihes  for* 

A  Vifion  in  the  Temple  ;  or  the  Lord  of  Hof1:3 
adored. 

The  dreadful  Sound  in  the  Ears  of  the  Wicked. 

The  World  Ahrm'd. 

Genuine  Chriftianity :  A  funeral  Sermon  for  Mr5, 
Fra^ices  Webb. 

Sikmiarius  :  An  Eflay  on  the  Patience  and  Silcnc« 
with  which  fad  Things  arc  to  be  entertained ;  On 
the  Death  of  Mrs.  Ahigail  JVilUrd. 

An  Account  of  the  McthcDd  and  Succefs  of  Inoculat- 
ing the  Small'^ox. 

1722. 

Love  triumphant  :  A  Sermon  at  the  gathering  a  new 
Church  and  Ordaining  their  Paflor. 

Sethiah  ;  Or  the  Glory  which  adorns  the  Daugh- 
ters of  GOD. 

The  Minifter  ;  A  Sermon  at  the  Annivcrfary  Con- 
vention of  Minillers. 

Doves  flying  to  the  Windows  of  their  Saviour. 

An  Effay  on  the  vain  Prcfumption  of  Living  and 
Thriving ;  On  the  premature  Death  of  a  Young 
Gentleman. 

^fs  ^Defuhrla;  Or  the  fmoking  Flax  raifed  into  a' 
facred  Flame. 

Nifmatb'Cbajim,  the  probable  feat  of  all  Difeafcsi 
and  a  general  Cure  tor  them. 

Divine  Afliations :  An  Effay  to  dcfcribe  the  gracious 
Influences  of  tlie  Holy  Spirit. 

The  Soul  upon  the  Wing  :  An  Eilay  on  the  State  of 
the  Dead. 


the  Voice  of  GOD  in  the  Tempeft. 
JEuihanaJia ;  or  fudden  Death  made  cafy  and  happy ; 

A  funeral  Sermon. 
Coelepimis :  A  Convcrfation  in  Heaven  quickncd  and 

alfifted. 
Some  feafonablc  Enquiries  upon  Epifcopacy. 
A  Walk  with  GOD   characflerized  :  A  Sermon  on 

Mr.  jfofefh   Sekher. 
The  Lord  high  Admiral  of  all  the  Seas  adored, 
Valerius ;  or  Profpcrity  of  the  Soul  defcribcd. 
A  Father  departing;    A  Sermon  on  Dr.  I»creAf6 

Mather, 
An  Eflay  on  Rcmarkables  in  ttic  Way  of  wicked  Men. 
The  pure  Nazarite. 
^arentator  :    Memoirs  of  the  Life  of  Dr.  Increafs 

MatJoer, 


1724. 

Propofals  for  Religious  Societies,  with  a  Sermon. 
The  Converted  Sinner^  upon  the  Execution  of  fomc 

Pirates. 
Stimulator  ;     Or    the  Cale  of  a  Soul  walking  in 

Darknefs. 
The  true  Riches  :    Art  Eflay  on  the  unfcarchabld 

Riches  of  Christ. 
The  Nightingale :  An  Eflay  on  Songs  among  Thorns, 
Light  in  Darknefs ;    with   an  Example  of  a  Young 

Perfon  meeting  Death  with  Triumphs  over  it. 
A  fhort  Effay  on  Troubles  to  be  looked  for. 
A  Funeral  Sermon  for  Governor  Saltonstal, 
Une  grand  Vci:<  du  del  a  la  Frafice. 
Three  Sermons  on  the  Death  of  a  Son.  ^ 

A  good  Reward  of  a  good  Servant  :  on  Mr.  l^hofhus 

Walter, 

1725. 

The  Palm-bearers :  A  Relation  of  patient  <5c  joyfulSuf- 

fcrings  in  thcGhurch  iAScotl^nd  from  iCCo  to  1^88. 

■  Virtue 


i^  ^r.  Matniri  tj 

Virtue  in  it's  Vtrdure  :   A  funeral  Sermon  for  Mrs 

Abigail  Srowfje. 
1lep«at«d  Admonitions  about  the  Maintenance  of  tht 

.Minillry. 
All  fupplicd  in  ah  all-fufficient  Saviour  :  a  funeral 

Ser^^on. 
The  Waters  of  Marah  fweetnei  ;  on  the  Death  of  A 
.  young  Gentleman. 

The  Gofpel  of  the  trazen  Sofpcnt*       ,  ^ 

2>  lEtrs  Nobifium  i  a  brief  Effay  on  the  Enjoyment 

of  GOD.  .  . 

HefjMtus :  or  a  Soul  paffing  Trofn  Death  to  Life. 
The   Choice  of  Witdom. 
diluvium  Igkis. 

Dirccf^ions  for  a  Candidate  of  the  Miniltry.  .    ^^ 

Vital  Chriili^ityi  or  the  Life  of  God  in  tlie  Soul  of 

Man. 

1  )  a.  e. 

Ratio  2)ifciflift(e  Tratnm  'N&v-Attglorum. 

A  good  old  Age  :  The,  Glory  of  Aged  Piety. 

Som€  feafonablc   Advfce  io  the  Poor*  .       :. 

The  Condition  to  which  the  Protefiant  Religion  le 

.  reduced.  .   . 

Ecchfia  Menilia  :    The  Trcafure  of  the  Almighty 
King  opened,  with  Memoriah  of  Mrs.£//2/.  CtrroK 

A  Vial  poured  out  on  the  Sea  :    occafioned  by   th« 

.    Execution  of  fomc  Pirates. ^  .  .    .  ,. 

An  EiTay  to  befpcak  early  Piety ;   on  the  Departure 
of  Mrs.  £liz;.  Cooper. 

T^erra  beata :  An  Effay  on  the  BkiTmg  of  Abraham. 

The  Inftrudlor.     ^. ,  .         v, 

AVi, Effay  on  tli'e  Ltghc  which  good  K^en  have  in  dark 
Hours.  . 

The  Comforts  of  one  walking  thro'  the  Valley  of  the 
Shadow   of  Death. 

j^  Soul  bound  up  in  the  Bundle  of  Life* 

ISiails   fafien'cd.  ,^,  ,  .    . 

■ignoranria  rdentljica  ':  1^-nSiTay  on  Min'i  not  know- 
ing hi«  Time;  ^- 


"tht  Books  fulUpek 

17  a   7- 

ifhe  evident  Tokens  of  Salvation. 

The  fealcd  Servant  tff  God  appearing  withav^'cil- 

teililicfd  Adoption. 
The  Marrow  of  the  Gofpel :  or  the  Union  between 

Gh»p.ist   and   the  Believer. 
Refiitutus  :    A  Difcourfc  made  upon  a  Recovery 

from  Sicktieii. 
^gricola  ;  or  the  Rcliffioiis  Husbandman. 
Ghrifti^ii  Loyalty^,  on  the  Death  of  King  George  L 

and  Acceffion  of  King  George  IL 
An   happy  Departure  ;  on  the  Death  of  Mr.  Willinm 

Waldroff. 
The  Balance  of  the  Sanctuary. 
The  Y^^oke  born  In   Youth  ;  with  an  Account  of  a 

Young  Perfon. 
The  Terror  of  the  Lord;  with  Remarks  on  th® 

E^ARTH^AlCES. 

An  Effay  to  prcferve  and  Hrehgthem  the  good  Im- 

preiKons  made  by  Earthquakes. 
An  EiTay  towards  a  Religious  Improvement  of  Bap- 
.    tifm,  at  the  fight  of  Adminiftration. 
The  Chambers  of  GOD  opened  and  viflted;  on  the 
•    Death  of  Air.  Teter  Ttacher. —  N.B.  STto  iJca^  th8 

lafl  Sermon  my   -Father  dgUver'd  from  the  'Pul~ 

fit :  and  truly  fuch  a  Sermcn  as  a  good  Minister 

'wou'd  defire  Jhou\4  l>s  his  loft. 

Since  his  Deceafe  there  have  been  two  Sermons^ 
which  he  left  prepared  for  the  Prefsj  publifhcd  ; 
their  Titles  are, 

Tke   Widow  of  Maif;f, 
The  Myflical  Marriage. 

These  tivo  mzkQ  the  Number  of  his  Bookt  t4 

%€  fkim  Ibi-^idred  find  iight^-  \hr^^ 


After 


'y^  2)r.  Mather, 


^79 


After  thi$  C^T^JtZOGUJE,  I  will  here  take 
the  Liberty  of  borrowing  two  or  three  Lines  from 
Buchanan's  Eficedium  on  Calvin  and  applying 
them  to  the  Dodor. 

Hunc  ergo  in  ^  or  turn  ccek.  fiaudente  receftum^ 
Su  Ucet  in  flacida  tranquUlus  'Pace  quiejcas; 
No»  tamen  omnino  fotuit  mors  invida  totum 
jTolkre   Mather-um   t  err  is  j  Mterna  maMbunt 
Ingenii  Monument  a  fm  j  et  llvoris  iniqui 
JLanguida  fattlatim  cum  Flamma  refederit^    cmhe\ 
Religio  qua  fur  a  iiitet  fe  fundet  in  Or  as 
Fama  tut  >■■■    ■  ■  ■ 

Which:  Lines  Ihave  Englilhed  after  this  mariner^ 

.   Tho*  Heaven  rejoice  you're  of  your  Port  poffei^ 
And  you  may  now  in  Peace  and  Safety  reft  : 
Yet  envious  Deaths  ivbich  hitn  reduced  tp.  Oayl 
Our  Mather  could  not  wholly  urge  away  : 
No,  No ;  Eternal  muil  his  Works  remain  ; 
Tho  rich  Productions  of  his  Fruitful  Brain  ! 
When   by  Degrees^  as  a  weak  Flame  of  Fire^, 
Curs'd  Envy  Ihall  with  trembling  Flirts  empire  > 
Then  where  there's  any  pure  Religion  founds     .,.» 
Mat«kii>  thy  Name  fhall  reach,   thy  Fame  ilisi! 


FIN! 


t.8o] 

\!iV!WVlVil**#tlVli»**liVII**»HV*ll»*»llVIW*ft 
THE 

CONTENTS. 

nrHK  Introdudioft  to  th«  Do£^or's  Life.       pitg.  9b 

Chap.    I. 

His  more  private  Hiilory-  5I 

i.  His  Birth  and  Family.  ihid. 

4.  His  Education,  Eagcrnefs  and  Progrefs  in 

Learning  ;  wkh  early  ravers.        4. 
^.  His  Early  Religion.  S;, 

4.  M^riagcs  and  Children  with  his  Methods 

of  Educating  them.  tu 

5.  His  private  ConducfV.  ijii 

c  H  A  ?.  n. 

His  public  Appearances  and  fignil  Services*      16^ 

1.  HisMiniflry  with  what  relates  to  it*  dl^id. 

2,  Being  concerned  in  other  Affairs  ; 

I-  Inllrufrion  of  Scholars.  40* 
i.  An  Account  of  the  Revolution  in  2^.-&.    41. 

3.  Witchcrafts  in   N.  E.  44. 

4.  Giving  Advice  at  home.  47. 

5.  Writing  beyond  Sea.  ihiS^ 
*.  Societies  related  unto,  48 
•).  Evan,2;elical  Treafary.  ibid, 
%.  inoculation.  ibid. 

^,  Services 


•Jl 


e  o  N  r  js  N  r  s.  is 

5.  ServicM  jkbroad.  O^IJ. 

10.  Learning  Ltnguigcs^  49. 

11.  His.  Chanty.  <^#V 
II.  Continual  Scrviceablcnefs.  il^fJ, 

Chap.    III. 

Hu  Experiences  and  DcUvcrances.  60. 

2.  Temptations  Conquered i  ^'^{/^i 
a.  Dangers  Efcaped.                                          /^;V- 

3.  Tho'ts  in  Sicknefs  and  Exemptions 

from  it.  61 

4.  CarritgC  when  Evil  Tongues  and. 

Pens  attacked  kim.  6y 

CaAP.    IV. 

His  VariouiWritingi  and  their Chara^er.        ^7- 

Books  Publilhed.  69^ 

Books  in  Manufcript.,  7'- 

Tho't^  on  preparing  them.  ?  3  • 

Cm  A  p.    V. 

His  Foreign  Honors  Sc  CorrcIpoi)dencic$.       74. 

I.  His  Foreign  Honors.  ili^^. 

1.  Do6:oratc  of  Divinity.  fi^/V/ 

2.  Fellowlhip  of  the  Royal  Society, 

3.  Worldly  Honors  dcfpifcd. 
a.  His  Forj^iga  Corrcfpondencie- 

Chap.     VI. 

His  Pracflice  of  Mety. 

T.  Chufmg  God,  ConverKng  with,  rclign- 

ing  to  and  Delighting  i-i Hi ^.  ^;/^- 

N   .^  /"      2.  Clonng; 


77^ 

79. 


z  C  i^  ^  I'  E  jsr  !t.  s.    ' 

a.  Clofing  with  Christ,  Accepting Hig 
Rightcoufnefs,  Loving  his  Glolry^  and 
Living  by  Faith  in  Him-  8(j. 

.5.  Occafional  Tho'ts  and  Ejacujal^ory 

Prayers.  '  larr  ion 

4.  Fafls^  Thanksgivings,  Vigils  and 

Self-Eximinations,  10^. 

5.  His  Morning  Tho'ts  and  other  pious 

Exercifcs.       '       *  ^;;"  128 

I.  Morning  Tho'ts.  ilptd, 

x»  Way  of  {pending  Saturday  Aftern()€>rv.  ibld^ 

5.  Method  of  Sabbatizing.  Z29. 

4.  Pleading  Scriptures  ^  Application  of 

Promifes.  13  5.' 

5,  6,  Imploymcnt  of  Mind  dc  Prayers  at      ;    , 

the  Lord's   Table,    ,  I35>i57- 

jK  Three  fpecial  Favors  defir'd,  157. 

8.  Rcfolutions  for  aWalfe  with  Gop,  dl^fd, 

CHiLF.     VIL 

His  latter  Days. 

X.  His  Way  of  Living,  ^       1 55- 

2.  His  Sentiments  upon  fome  importantThiligs.140. 
^.  His  Temper  in  his  laft  Illnefs  with  the. 

Circumllanccs  of  his  JD^^th.  '        i/^€, 

^  Catalogue  of  his  Socks.  i^i- 


I    ^    I    5L 


^.  ^    eg 


r 


) 


1 185  ] 

Advertifement 


HAVING     before     fpokcn    of    the. 
S  TB  L  I  A    A  MEH  I  C  AN,A,_ 
(fgig.'].'^.)^Xi(\  at  thefame.timcproinircd  that 
I  would   give  the  World  a  more  dillinct 
and  particular  Account  of  that  Work,  I 
had  laid  afide  the  Tho'cs   of  faying  any  Thing  fur- 
ther  about  it  for  fomc  time  :  But  being  advifcd  by  a. 
Gentleman  of  the  facred  Order  for  whofe  Judgment' 
I  havea  great  Value,  to  delineate  and  delcribe  h^re. 
shat  Performance,    it's   Excellency  and    Ufefulncfi, 
that  fo  it^s  inviting  Character,  being  more   pubiick- 
ly  expofed,   may    excite  Gentlemen^   Divines    aivi 
others  Co  countenance  the  Publication  of  it  ;  and  Leinj 
withal  convinced  that  thcPropofal  is  good  8<,  piopcr  i 
I  have  therefore  determined  here  to  add  an  exacl:  ^^c 
count  of  the 

B  IB  L  I  A     AMERICANA. 

O    R, 

Xhe  Sacred  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New- 

Teftament   Illustrated  : 

In  v^'hich,  bclides  the  many  Thoufands  of  cnrioi* 
Notes  that  lliinc.  in  yhjclt/U  &i  AhJjr/i    Writers   of 
nliPeriixilions,    and    (ome  Edays    to   exphrin    manyf  ^^^ 
i-'atfages  ti(Mn  the  ObXcryiicions  of  C/j nlH-n n lUp emf^^  "'"''%* 
|i;crc  are.tliC  foilo\ung  l^hings  obliirvajj^lc; 

N    A  I    Tb'£. 


/ 


L  The  facred  ScriptMres  of  the  Old  and  New- 
Tcftament  exhibited.  In  the  Order  of 'Time  ^  wherein 
^hc  fevcral  and  fiicceHivc  Occurrences  may  dire6t  to 
the  Placing  and  Reading  of  them  :  which  i^xhibi- 
%\ov*  aLohc  will  greatly  inlighten.  thcm^  arji  do  the 
Se:;vicc  of  a  valuable  Commeritary. 

//.  An  Emendation  of  our  prefens  Vcrlion  \  fron^ 
^hc  Difcoveries  of  the  mod  learned  Philologifts  fronx 
t]iC  earli  eft,  Ages  of  facred  Literature,  down  to  Bochsrty 
Calmit.  'and  ^Parker  i  and  a  particular  notice  ot  thoie 
rnan,y  Inftances  wherein  our  greateft  Maliers  of  the 
Original  Languages  have  exprefsM  their  wifties  to  fee 
the  common  X'ranllacion  amended  and    refined. 

II Ti  A  rich  Cotlec^ion  of  Antiqjxities  whkh 
i:cfie6t  a  Light  on  the  Heavenly  Oracles  ,•  efpecially 
^hofe  wherein  the  Idolatry ^  Oeeonomicks,  ^oUtkkSs 
Jl^i^ricukurei  JlrcJfite5iure^  TaEliekSy  Mufick,  Habits^ 
Tiieii^  Sec.  in  former  Ages  may  have  foincRcfeireacc  in 
the  facred   Pages  to  thcmo 

/n  The  Laws  of  the.  Ifr  deli  tip  Nation  inter- 
preted, and  refcued  from  the  Mifmterpretations  that; 
fbme  famous  Writers  have  plit  upon  them  :  contrary 
t,o  the  real  Origiml  and  tru^  Intention  of  them. 

K  TuR  Types  of  the  Bible  accommodated  with 
their  Antitypes  \  by  which  a  wondrous  Mixture  of 
facred  Profit  4nd  ^leafure  arifes  from  thof«  Para- 
graphs^  which  fcemed  to  be  the  leaft  Inftrudivc. 

F'L  Remarks  as  well  for  t}ie  Illuftration  of  the 
Old  TeffamcHt  as  for  the  Confirmation  of  the  Nezv^ 
^rawn  oat  ortrhorc  very  unpromifing  heaps^thc  Tal- 
MUjjs  and  other  JewijH  tVritingSo 

7^1  f,  N  V T u R  At,  P n  z L OS o p n  Y  brought  t o  fe«re 
nvp.s.hd  Rellpon.'  The  fairefb  Hypot/jefes  offered 
rf  thofr  grand  Revolutions,  the  Crcatin^^  2Jroivf)in;r 
Artd^^uiviirtfT  of  tl\e  World  ^  together  with  the  ^j'iro- 


jifDVERTlSBMnNr.  A^ 

^mical  AfiairSj  the  Me^eerSy  Mngrals,  Vegetables^ 
jiHlmalSy  tDifeafeSy  AaatomUal  Curiofities,  and  what 
relate*  to  the  Invifiblc  World  of  Good  or  Evil  Spi- 
rits, mentioned  in  thefe  Divine  Pagcs^  as  they  are 
reprcfcntcd  in  the  leji  Tho'fsof  our  J'imes. 

VIII.  The  Chronology  of  the  Bible  every 
vfhcre  cleared  of  vC\  Difficulties  —  with  the  moft 
^curate  Hamony  ofths  Gfif^eh  that  has  yes  been 
offered. 

IX.  Tm5  facred  Geography  ;  in  which  there  arc 
the  (ituatioh  of  ^Paradife  and  Tal<ejiine  ;  with  an 
Account  how  the  Earth  has  been  peopled  ;  and  4. 
Colleftion  of  thofe  many  inftruAivc  Things,  which 
Travellers  of  unfpottcd  Veracity  have  contributed  for 
our  illumination. 

X.  An  el2!,bprate  fi^nd  entertaining  HiHory  of  the 
IsRAELZTiSH  Nation  in  cvcry  Place;  cfpccially 
from  the  Birth  ©four  great  Redeemer  to  this  vi:ry. 
Day  ;  with  a  particular  Hiflory  of  the  City  Jesitsa- 
LEM  under  it's  wonderful  Viciffitudes  from  the  Dav^, 
ofMELCHi2.EDEK  dovm  to  oufs  ;  of  the  ancient  Sei'^s 
among  the  X^-wi  ^d  their pt^ej em.  wij^^ched  State,  the 
Relicks  of  tjie 'Z^;/  as  well  as  the  T^ivo  "Tribes  and 
Inhere  they  arc  now  dilpericd. 

XI.  Ths  HiSTORiESof  all  Ages  called  in  tofliov^. 
'  *  how  the.  Prophecies  of  the  Divine  Oracles  have  had 
0,  their  moil  punctual  Acc:ompUilimcnt  ;   wherein  tl-p 

Reader  will  find  anintire.Body  ofEccleiiaftical  Hi|h)- 
ly  :  and  modcft,  but  ilrongly  cflablilh'd  ConjcBures 
on  fuch  as  yet  remain  to  be  fulfdled,  and  the  State  of 
the  Church  and  World  in  future  Ages  to  the  End  of 
Tiire.      ' 

XI L  The  true    Doctrine  of  the  Sabbatical   Chi- 
li An,  which  more   opens  and  breaks  in  en  themortj 
confidcrate^Inquirers  as  the  Day  am:)roa:hcs,  brought 
,,     in  as    a  Key  to  vcrv  much  of  the  Wcalc'i  which   the 
JfcjM^rth  i)fGoD  poffcffes  in  thisBook  of  the  Kip-;Jcrn  : 
^l|Pta|the  cleareft  Tho'ts  of  the  moil  pcricti/it '••.■•  Wr?- 
ters  on  the  Apocalypfl-,  rcfcued  from  the  hkmc  arbi- 
trary and  indcfer.libie  Conceits  of  ilipcriicial  btudcnts 
ia  the  facred  FroDheiies.  ,-' 

i  THE 


THE  ufuai  Method  for  the.  Publication  of  fuch  » 
Work^  ha$  been  b;  SUBSCRIPTIONS,  and  in 
«jic  Propor-j.Is  to  give  a  computation  of  the  number  of 
•^  beets  J  and  the  price  of  the  Books  to  Subfcribers  in^ 
Quiws,  and  when  Eound  :     But  in  the  prefent  Cafe 
the  precife  Number  pf  Sheets  cannot  cafily  be  known  c, 
which  will  occafion  fomcthing  of  uncertainty^ 
However, 
15*  2$  fuppofed  that  the  Work  will   be  contained 
in  IJoree  Volumns  in  Fot.10,  and  may  be  afforded  for 
between  7'hree  dc  Four  bounds  Sterling  ;   and  in 
J^eiU" England  Money  according,  as   the  Exchange 
fhall  then  be.    Whoever  ihall.  Subfcribe  and  Pay  for 
'Ten  Sets  ihall.  have  One  Gratis,    which  will  con- 
(Gderably  reduce  the  price.    And  ^s  a  farther  Motive., 
it  may  be  faid.  That  this  Performance  will  not.  inter-" 
fere  with  the  Works  of  the  Excellent  Pool^  Bur  kit, 
or  Henry  :  It  being  the   conilant  ftudy  of  the  Au- 
thor to  avoid  it,    and  in   this  to  add  whatever  other 
curious  things  have  yet  been  publilh'd  on  the  facred 
Scriptures. 

Subscriptions  will. be  taken  by   SantuelGerrlfi^ 
Daniel  Henchman  and  Thomas  Hancock  Book  fellers,' 
'  in  Softan  ;  and  as  foon.as  there  fhall  appepr  iufficient 
Encouragement,     the  'Ma?iufcripts  Will   be  fent   to 
London  to   be  Printed  there,    with   all  convenient;, 
Expedition,  and  Care  will  be   taken   of    the  Paper, 
Printing  and  Bindings  that  it   bs  fuitable  to  fuch  aj 
Work.  * 

The    E  N  D,' 


•0  ^-A 


,f#^^ 


** 


